Abstract
To determine the presence of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and other serologic markers, we tested serum specimens of 339 Amerindians, 181 rural non-Amerindians, and 1,133 urban blood donors (13 Amerindians) in the Brazilian Amazon. High KSHV seroprevalence in children and inverse association with herpes simplex virus type 2 indicates predominant nonsexual transmission among Amerindians.
Highlights
To determine the presence of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and other serologic markers, we tested serum specimens of 339 Amerindians, 181 rural nonAmerindians, and 1,133 urban blood donors (13 Amerindians) in the Brazilian Amazon
Our data confirm the high KSHV seroprevalence observed among Amazonian Amerindian populations [5,7]
High KSHV seroprevalence combined with an apparent lack of KS development among Amerindian populations support the theory of genetic predisposition to KSHV acquisition, as hypothesized for other Amazonian populations, in whom segregation genetic analysis has suggested that an unidentified recessive gene may influence KSHV serostatus [15]
Summary
DISPATCHES ing a T. pallidum–specific assay (Enzygnost Syphilis; Dade Behring, Marburg, Germany); for HSV-2 antibodies by using the type-specific HerpeSelect gG2 ELISA (Focus Technologies, Cypress Hill, CA, USA), with a higher cut-off (>3.5) to increase specificity [13]; and for HAV antibodies by using BioELISA HAV (Biokit, Barcelona, Spain). The risk associated with KSHV infection was estimated with prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for sex and age group (18–24 years, 25–34 years, and >35 years for the blood donor population; 0–9 years, 10–17 years, 18–24 years, 25–34 years, and >35 years for both Mapuera populations). KSHV seroprevalence remained lower among Mapuera non-Amerindians (30% and 27% among men and women, respectively) and blood donors (16% and 23%, respectively) than among Mapuera Amerindians. KSHV seroprevalence was slightly higher among females, and increased with age (p for trend
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call