Seroprevalences of autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies among Ghana’s healthy population

Abstract

This study assessed the seroprevalence of a range of autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies in healthy individuals from four regions of Ghana. High prevalence was found for anti‑HSV‑1 IgG (91‑100%), anti‑EBNA IgG (81‑93%), and anti‑EBV‑VCA IgG (97‑100%). ANA positivity was estimated at 14%, and anti‑dsDNA at 2.3%. After adjusting for age, gender, region, and family history, an inverse association between anti‑HSV‑2 antibodies and ANA was observed (adjusted OR = 0.398; p = 0.044), suggesting a potential protective effect of HSV‑2 against autoimmunity. A similar, non‑significant trend was noted for anti‑dsDNA antibodies (p = 0.1).,