Prevalence and correlates of Kaposi\u2019s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections among adults: evidence from the NHANES III data

Huangbo Yuan,Yi Li,Yiyun Xu,Zhenqiu Liu,Tiejun Zhang,Xin Zhang

doi:10.1186/s12985-021-01731-9

Huangbo Yuan, Yi Li + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-021-01731-9

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Abstract

BackgroundKaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) prevalence and risk factors exhibit considerable variations across populations in different geographic regions. Determinants and the transmission routes of KSHV infection are uncertain. We seek to identify the possible risk factors and the transmission routes of KSHV infection in non-endemic areas.MethodsWe collected annual cases and seroprevalence of KSHV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) from the NHANES III sampled individuals from the US general population (1988–1994). We included 13,179 and 10,720 individuals with available remaining serum samples of KSHV and HSV-2. Logistic regression was employed to explore potential risk factors for the seropositivity.ResultsThe seroprevalence was 2.05% for KSHV infection and 31.03% for HSV2 infection among this population. All risk factors of sexual behaviors included were strongly associated with HSV-2 positive, however, only MSM had an approximately fivefold increased risk of KSHV infection (OR = 4.71; 95%CI 1.61 11.30). Mexican Americans (2.51%) and older (chi-squaretrend = − 6.71, P < 0.001) individuals had a higher risk of KSHV infection. After adjustment, individuals with higher level of education and economic status had lower KSHV infection.ConclusionsIn non-endemic areas, KSHV transmission may be related to sexual activity in men, especially in male homosexuals. Higher education level and economic status are protective factors for KSHV infection.

Highlights

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) referred as human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), is the etiologic agent for the occurrence of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and Multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) [1,2,3]
Zhang et al Virology Journal (2022) 19:5 and Europe, these non-endemic areas, KSHV infection is commonly found among HIV positive individuals, especially in the men who have sex with men (MSM) [9], and the relationship with the number of recent male sex partners is consistent with transmission through intimate contact between men [10]
Previous researches had shown that demographic variables, behavioral risk factors, and a history of diseases may affect the risk of KSHV infection and associated disease progression [14, 15], but conclusions were inconclusive

Summary

Introduction

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) referred as human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), is the etiologic agent for the occurrence of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and Multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) [1,2,3]. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the most common sexually transmitted agent [11], is an opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients. Both KSHV and HSV-2 are herpesviruses establishing life-long infections in humans [12], and acute infection, frequent reactivations from a previous infection or symptomatic episodes in the immunosuppressed individuals can be devastating. The fact that the two herpesviruses are common infectious agents among MSM [13], suggesting they may share similar transmission routes. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) prevalence and risk factors exhibit considerable variations across populations in different geographic regions. We seek to identify the possible risk factors and the transmission routes of KSHV infection in nonendemic areas

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