Addressing Herpesvirus Infections in Gabon: Epidemiological Insights, Risk Factors, and Public Health Strategies

Infections represent a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in settings with high HIV prevalence and limited diagnostic capacity. In Gabon, epidemiological data on herpesvirus infections remain fragmented, making it difficult to accurately estimate their burden. This review aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and public health implications of herpesvirus infections in Gabon. A systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2006 and December 2024. The included studies focused on Gabonese populations and relevant reported epidemiological data. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed exclusively using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools, adapted according to study design. The results show that the most documented infections are Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). HSV-2 is frequently observed among sexually active adults and people living with HIV, while HHV-8 is widely prevalent, particularly in rural settings. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are also reported but remain insufficiently studied. Overall, herpesvirus infections remain under-recognized in Gabon, highlighting the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic capacity.