A high seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 already present in patients with chronic hepatitis before the development of cirrhosis

Abstract

A high seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) in mild cirrhotics is significantly associated with hepatitis activity. Cirrhosis is always derived from chronic hepatitis. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HHV-8 infection in patients with chronic hepatitis. Blood samples collected from 129 patients with chronic hepatitis and 129 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analysed for monocyte and platelet counts, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), HHV-8 antibody and DNA, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Mean monocyte and platelet counts were significantly higher and lower in patients than in healthy controls (p= 0.02 and < 0.0001, respectively). Seropositive rate for HHV-8 antibodies was significantly greater in patients (32.6%) than in controls (20.9%, p= 0.04), particularly in patients with HCV infection, or higher plasma ALT levels, or both (p= 0.004, 0.01, and 0.0009, respectively). Antibody titres for HHV-8 in patients also exceeded those in controls (p= 0.02). The mean age of HHV-8 seropositive patients (60.3 years) was significantly older than that of seronegatives (52.3 years) (p= 0.0007). Patients aged 55 or older had higher seropositive rate and titres for HHV-8 antibodies than those younger (p= 0.005 and 0.007, respectively). A significantly high HHV-8 seroprevalence is already present in patients with chronic hepatitis before the development of cirrhosis, particularly in patients with HCV infection and/or higher plasma ALT levels. Advancing age seems to play an important role in HHV-8 seroprevalence in patients with chronic hepatitis.