Herpes simplex virus detection and genomes from under-sampled, remote populations
Christopher D Bowen1,2, Alexandre Blake1, Daniel W Renner1,2
1Department of Biology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Plos One
|July 24, 2026
Summary
This study presents the first Herpes simplex virus (HSV) genome sequences from Namibia, collected using novel methods in a remote pastoralist population. These findings expand our understanding of viral diversity in under-sampled regions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a widespread pathogen with diverse disease outcomes.
- Existing genomic data for HSV is heavily biased towards European and North American populations.
- Remote and non-industrial populations are under-represented in genomic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a method for collecting and sequencing HSV genomes from a remote pastoralist population in Namibia.
- To characterize HSV genetic diversity in an under-sampled geographic region.
- To establish a framework for pathogen surveillance in underserved communities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Whatman FTA cards for DNA stabilization from oral and genital swabs.
- Collected samples from a geographically isolated pastoralist community in northern Namibia.
- Sequenced and analyzed the obtained HSV genomes.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated the first HSV genome sequences from Namibia.
- The Namibian HSV strains align with previously defined African viral genetic diversity.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of collecting genomic data in remote settings.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology enables HSV genome sequencing in resource-limited, remote areas.
- This study contributes crucial genomic data from an under-sampled African population.
- The approach can be adapted for broader pathogen detection and public health initiatives in underserved regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...