Seroprevalence Of Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus Research Articles

Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated With Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Shedding in Saliva or Cervical Secretions in a Cohort of Tanzanian Women.

Reasons for the high prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in sub-Saharan Africa, and risk factors leading to viral reactivation and shedding, remain largely undefined. Preliminary studies have suggested that schistosome infection, which has been associated with impaired viral control, is associated with KSHV. In this study we sought to determine the relationship between active Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium infection and KSHV shedding. We quantified KSHV DNA in saliva and cervical swabs from 2 cohorts of women living in northwestern Tanzanian communities endemic for S mansoni or S haematobium by real-time polymerase chain reaction. χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to determine differences in clinical and demographic factors between those who were and were not shedding KSHV. Among 139 total women, 44.6% were KSHV seropositive. Six percent of those with S mansoni and 17.1% of those with S haematobium were actively shedding KSHV in saliva and none in cervical samples. Women from the S mansoni cohort who were shedding virus reported infertility more frequently (80% vs 19.5%, P = .009). There was no difference in frequency of KSHV salivary shedding between schistosome-infected and -uninfected women. In an area with high KSHV seroprevalence and endemic schistosome infections, we provide the first report with data demonstrating no association between schistosome infection and salivary or cervical herpesvirus shedding. KSHV salivary shedding was associated with infertility, a known effect of another herpesvirus, human herpesvirus 6.

Distinctive Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Serological Profile during Acute Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Episodes

The seroprevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the incidence of endemic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) overlap with regions of malaria endemicity in sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple studies have shown an increased risk of KSHV seroconversion in children from high malaria compared to low malaria regions; however, the impact of acute episodes of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria on KSHV's biphasic life cycle and lytic reactivation has not been determined. Here, we examined KSHV serological profiles and viral loads in 134 children with acute malaria and 221 healthy children from high malaria regions in Kisumu, as well as 77 healthy children from low malaria regions in Nandi. We assayed KSHV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and P. falciparum malaria antibody responses in these three by multiplexed Luminex assay. We confirmed that KSHV seroprevalence was significantly associated with malaria endemicity (OR = 1.95, 1.18-3.24 95% CI, p = 0.01) with 71-77% seropositivity in high-malaria (Kisumu) compared to 28% in low-malaria (Nandi) regions. Furthermore, KSHV serological profiles during acute malaria episodes were distinct from age-matched non-malaria-infected children from the same region. Paired IgG levels also varied after malaria treatment, with significantly higher anti-ORF59 at day 0 but elevated ORF38, ORF73, and K8.1 at day 3. Acute malaria episodes is characterized by perturbation of KSHV latency in seropositive children, providing further evidence that malaria endemicity contributes to the observed increase in endemic KS incidence in sub-Saharan Africa.

High Seroprevalence of Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus in Men Who Have Sex With Men With HIV in the Southern United States.

Disparities in mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Kaposi sarcoma have been described, particularly in Black men in the southern United States. It is unclear if there are racial/ethnic differences in the seroprevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) that may be contributing. This is a cross-sectional study of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women with HIV. Participants were recruited from an outpatient HIV clinic in Dallas, Texas, for a 1-time study visit and were excluded from analysis if they had any history of KSHV disease. Plasma was tested for antibodies to KSHV K8.1 or ORF73 antigens, and KSHV DNA was measured in oral fluids and blood by polymerase chain reaction. KSHV seroprevalence and viral shedding in blood and oral fluids were calculated. Additionally, independent risk factors for KSHV seropositivity were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Two hundred five participants were included in our analysis. Overall, KSHV seroprevalence was high (68%) with no significant difference between racial/ethnic groups. Among seropositive participants, KSHV DNA was detected in 28.6% of oral fluids and 10.9% of peripheral blood specimens, respectively. The factors most strongly associated with KSHV seropositivity were oral-anal sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.02), oral-penile sex (OR, 4.63), and methamphetamine use (OR, 4.67). High local seroprevalence of KSHV is likely a key driver of the high burden of KSHV-associated diseases regionally, though it does not explain the observed disparities in KSHV-associated disease prevalence among racial/ethnic groups. Our findings support that KSHV is primarily transmitted via exchange of oral fluids.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, HIV-1 and Kaposi sarcoma risk in black South Africans diagnosed with cancer during antiretroviral treatment rollout.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi sarcoma (KS). The risk of KS is amplified in HIV-immunosuppressed individuals and antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces KS incidence. Reliable data on the relationship between these factors are lacking in Africa. We used questionnaires and serum from 7886 black South Africans (18-74 years) with incident cancer, recruited between 1995 and 2016. ART rollout started in 2004. We measured associations between KS, HIV-1 and KSHV before and after ART rollout. We measured seropositivity to HIV-1, KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) and glycoprotein (K8.1) and calculated case-control-adjusted odds ratios (ORadj ) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in relation to KS and KSHV infection, before (1995-2004), early (2005-2009) and late (2010-2016) ART rollout periods. KSHV seropositivity among 1237 KS cases was 98%. Among 6649 controls, KSHV seropositivity was higher in males (ORadj =1.4 [95%CI 1.23-1.52]), in persons with HIV, (ORadj =4.2 [95%CI 3.74-4.73]) and lower in high school leavers (ORadj =0.7 [95%CI 0.59-0.83]). KSHV seropositivity declined over the three ART rollout periods (37%, 28% and 28%, Ptrend < .001) coinciding with increases in high school leavers over the same periods (46%, 58% and 67%, Ptrend < .001). HIV-1 seroprevalence increased from 10% in the pre-ART period to 22% in the late ART period (Ptrend < .001). Compared to HIV-1 and KSHV seronegatives, KSHV seropositives yielded an OR for KS of 26 (95%CI 11-62) in HIV-1 seronegative participants and an OR of 2501 (95%CI 1083-5776) in HIV-1 seropositive participants. HIV-1 increases the risk of KS in those infected with KSHV by 100-fold. Declines in KSHV seroprevalence coincide with ART rollout and with improvements in educational standards and general hygiene.

Seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and risk factors in Jiuquan area, China.

The seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is high in Xinjiang, China. But the seroprevalence of KSHV and risk factors are still unknown in Gansu which is adjacent to Xinjiang.Six hundred and seventy-eightserum samples of the general population and 87 serum samples of syphilis patients from Jiuquan, Gansu were tested for antibodies against KSHV, including one latent protein (ORF73) and two lytic proteins (ORF65 and K8.1) using the ELISA. The total KSHV-seropositive rate was 15.9% in 678 serum samples in the Jiuquan area, and the KSHV-seropositive rate of males was higher than females (18.0% vs. 14.6%, p > 0.05). The Uygur, Kazakh, Hui, Manchu, and Mongolian populations had a higher seroprevalence of KSHV than the Han population (43.8%, 40.0%, 34.5%, 30.3%, 35.0% vs. 11.0%, respectively) among the ethnic groups in Jiuquan. Compared to the Han, Uygur, Kazak, Hui, Manchu, and Mongolian people had an increase in the risk of KSHV of 528.9%, 439.1%, 325.6%, 251.6%, and 335.4% (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.003, respectively). The serum prevalence of KSHV in subjects aged < 20 years, 20-50 years, and >50 years was 13.8%, 14.7%, and 20.1%, respectively. Compared to the subjects aged < 20 years, 20-50 years and >50 years had an increase in the risk of KSHV of 7.4% and 56.9% (p = 0.829 and p = 0.204, respectively). Compared to the positive rate of KSHV in the general population of Anhui, the positive rate of KSHV was significantly higher in the general population of the Jiuquan area (15.9% vs. 9%, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the positive rate of KSHV between the Han population of Jiuquan and the Han population of Anhui (p > 0.05). In the population of syphilis patients in the Jiuquan area, the positive rate of KSHV was 30.7%, which was higher than that of the general population in the Gansu area (p < 0.05). This study indicates that Gansu has a high seroprevalence of KSHV. Ethnicity and syphilis are risk factors for KSHV infection.

Environmental risk factors and genetic markers of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection among Uygur population in Xinjiang, China.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China. Determinants of KSHV seropositivity among high-risk groups are not well understood. We seek to identify genetic and environmental predisposing factors for KSHV infection among Uygurs in this endemic region. A cross-sectional study was performed among the Uygur population in Xinjiang, China. KSHV-antibodies were detected using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles were genotyped. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the environmental and genetic risk factors of KSHV seropositivity. Finally, a total of 721 participants were included. The seroprevalence of KSHV was 24.1% among this population. Sweet-food preference (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-3.34), and coronary heart disease (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.24-2.94) were statistically correlated with KSHV infection. HLA-DQB1*06:09 were found to significantly increase the risk of KSHV infection under all 3 models (ORAllelic = 4.06; ORDominant = 3.27; and ORRecessive = 8.06). Six SNPs (SNP0260, SNP0361, SNP0797, SNP0852, SNP1159, and SNP1375) in the DQB1 and DRB1 region and haploid type GTCTAACTAATC in block 17 were statistically associated with KSHV infection. We demonstrated that genetic variations in HLA-DQB1/DRB1 and environmental risk factors were strongly associated with KSHV infection among this population.

Malaria Is Associated With Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Seroconversion in a Cohort of Western Kenyan Children.

We aimed to determine whether Plasmodium falciparum infection affects age of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seroconversion in Kenyan children. Kenyan children (n = 144) enrolled at age 1 month, from 2 sites with different levels of malaria transmission (stable/high vs unstable/low) were followed to age 24 months. Plasma was tested for KSHV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; K8.1 and LANA) and a multiplex bead-based assay (K8.1, K10.5, ORF38, ORF50, and LANA) and whole blood tested for P. falciparum DNA using quantitative PCR. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations between P. falciparum DNA detection, malaria annualized rate (P. falciparum detections/person-years), and enrollment site (malaria-high vs malaria-low) with time to KSHV seroconversion. KSHV seroprevalence was 63% by age 2 years when assessed by multiplex assay. Children with P. falciparum were at increased hazards of earlier KSHV seroconversion and, among children with malaria, the hazard of becoming KSHV seropositive increased significantly with increasing malaria annualized rate. Children from the malaria-high transmission region had no significant difference in hazards of KSHV seroconversion at 12 months but were more likely to become KSHV seropositive by age 24 months. Malaria exposure increases the risk for KSHV seroconversion early in life.

Mutual detection of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and Epstein-Barr virus in blood and saliva of Cameroonians with and without Kaposi's sarcoma.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, together with HIV; the consequent burden of disease is grave. The cofactors driving transmission of the two viruses and pathogenesis of associated malignancies are not well understood. We measured KSHV and EBV DNA in whole blood and saliva as well as serum antibodies levels in 175 Cameroonians with Kaposi's sarcoma and 1,002 age- and sex-matched controls with and without HIV. KSHV seroprevalence was very high (81%) in controls, while EBV seroprevalence was 100% overall. KSHV DNA was detectable in the blood of 36-46% of cases and 6-12% of controls; EBV DNA was detected in most participants (72-89%). In saliva, more cases (50-58%) than controls (25-28%) shed KSHV, regardless of HIV infection. EBV shedding was common (75-100%); more HIV+ than HIV- controls shed EBV. Cases had higher KSHV and EBV VL in blood and saliva then controls, only among HIV+ participants. KSHV and EBV VL were also higher in HIV+ than in HIV- controls. Cases (but not controls) were more likely to have detectable KSHV in blood if they also had EBV, whereas shedding of each virus in saliva was independent. While EBV VL in saliva and blood were modestly correlated, no correlation existed for KSHV. Numerous factors, several related to parasitic coinfections, were associated with detection of either virus or with VL. These findings may help better understand the interplay between the two gammaherpesviruses and generally among copathogens contributing to cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa.

Social behavioral correlates of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China and its prevalence varies considerably across ethnic groups. The current study explored the prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study, including 282 Han ethnicity and 312 Uygur, was conducted in Xinjiang, China. All participants underwent face to face questionnaire interview. Plasma samples were collected and screened for KSHV infection using immunofluorescence assay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the correlates of KSHV seropositivity. The KSHV seroprevalence was 41.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.6-45.6) overall and was higher in the Uygur group (59.9%; 95% CI, 54.3-65.4) than the Han group (21.3%; 95% CI, 16.6-26.5). A significant difference in the geometric mean titer (GMT) of the KSHV antibodies was detected between the Uygur and Han groups (158.2; interquartile range [IQR], 80-320 vs 89.1; IQR, 40-160; P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, Uygur ethnicity (odds ratios [OR], 5.96; 95% CI, 4.05-8.90), age greater than or equal to 50 years (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.24-2.77), and preference for meat diet (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05-4.46) were significantly associated with increased odds of KSHV seropositivity. The study demonstrated high prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection in both Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China. There is an urgent need for programmatic adaptation to address primary prevention interventions of KSHV infection in this endemic region.

Was Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus introduced into China via the ancient Silk Road? An evolutionary perspective.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has become widely dispersed worldwide since it was first reported in 1994, but the seroprevalence of KSHV varies geographically. KSHV is relatively ubiquitous in Mediterranean areas and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The origin of KSHV has long been puzzling. In the present study, we collected and analysed 154 KSHV ORF-K1 sequences obtained from samples originating from Xinjiang, Italy, Greece, Iran and southern Siberia using Bayesian evolutionary analysis in BEAST to test the hypothesis that KSHV was introduced into Xinjiang via the ancient Silk Road. According to the phylogenetic analysis, 72 sequences were subtype A and 82 subtype C, with C2 (n = 56) being the predominant subtype. The times to the most recent common ancestors (tMRCAs) of KSHV were 29,872 years (95% highest probability density [HPD], 26,851-32,760 years) for all analysed sequences and 2037 years (95% HPD, 1843-2229 years) for Xinjiang sequences in particular. The tMRCA of Xinjiang KSHV was exactly matched with the time period of the ancient Silk Road approximately two thousand years ago. This route began in Chang'an, the capital of the Han dynasty of China, and crossed Central Asia, ending in the Roman Empire. The evolution rate of KSHV was slow, with 3.44 × 10-6 substitutions per site per year (95% HPD, 2.26 × 10-6 to 4.71 × 10-6), although 11 codons were discovered to be under positive selection pressure. The geographic distances from Italy to Iran and Xinjiang are more than 4000 and 7000 kilometres, respectively, but no explicit relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance was detected.

Prevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus among men attending sexually transmitted infections clinics in Anhui, China.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) may be transmitted via sexual contacts, but limited information is available on KSHV infection status among sexually transmitted infection (STI) patients in China. The main objective of the present study was to determine the KSHV seroprevalence and its risk factors among male STI patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three prefectures of Anhui province, China, between June and September 2013. A total of 1,600 male patients who visited an STI clinic were invited, and 1,372 participated in the study. Data were abstracted from the medical records for all the patients. Blood samples were collected and tested for antibodies to KSHV, HIV, HCV, and syphilis. Factors associated with KSHV seropositivity were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of KSHV, HIV, HCV, and syphilis was 13.3%, 0.7%, 0.6%, and 12.5%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, KSHV infection was significantly associated with ever having anal sex with men (19 out of 30 males, OR: 8.64, 95%CI: 1.92-38.79) and HIV infection (six out of nine HIV-positive individuals, OR: 8.39, 95%CI: 1.80-39.04). There were no significant associations of KSHV infection with drug use, heterosexual sex behaviors, syphilis, and HCV. Our finding has shown that a relatively moderate prevalence of KSHV was found among male STI patients. While an increased risk for KSHV infection was observed among participants with homosexual contacts. Routine KSHV testing is recommended for male individuals attending STI clinics.

Oncogenic Virus Infections in the General Population and End-stage Renal Disease Patients With Special Emphasis on Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) in Northeast of Iran.

Background:Globally, almost 20% of cancers are related to infectious agents that can be prevented. Oncogenicity refers to viruses that may cause cancers, more importantly in immunocompromised subjects such as transplant and hemodialysis patients. Therefore, epidemiological studies are the first line for understanding the importance of these agents in public health, particularly, in mobile populations, tourism and pilgrimage regions.Objectives:Oncogenic viral infections, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Epstein-barr virus (EBV) are the most common viral agents in immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, human T lymphocyte virus type I (HTLV-I), due to endemicity in Khorasan Razavi province located northeast of Iran as a pilgrimage region, and Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpes virus (KSHV), as an oncogenic herpesvirus in immunocompromised subjects have been investigated among the general population and those with end-stage renal diseases (ESRD).Patients and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1227 randomly selected individuals; 25 donors and 195 patients with ESRD, including 60 kidney transplant recipients and 135 dialysis patients from the Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Serological tests were carried out using commercial enzyme-immunoassay kits. To confirm positive serology tests, the extracted viral DNA or RNA was examined for the presence of KSHV, HTLV-I and HCV by conventional PCR.Results:The prevalence of KSHV infection in the general population was 1.71% (21/1227); 2.60% (10/384) males and 1.30% (11/843) females. In kidney transplants, viral infections occurred in 23.3% of subjects; including EBV, HTLV-I and HBV-HCV co-infection in 8.3%, 3.3% and 1.7%, respectively. In patients on hemodialysis, viral infections were present in 29.6% including EBV, HTLV-I and HBV-HCV co-infection in 2.2%, 5.9% and 16.3%, respectively. Seroprevalence of KSHV in patients with kidney transplants was 1.7% and in patients on dialysis was 3.0%. Furthermore, KSHV and HTLV-I genome was detected in 25% and 100% of seropositive subjects, respectively.Conclusions:In conclusion, this study demonstrated that these tumor virus infections including HTLV-I, KSHV and particularly hepatitis viruses (HBV plus HCV) are prevalent in the general population and in patients on hemodialysis, which might be an important health concern in this region due to the mobile population.

Association between malaria exposure and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus seropositivity in Uganda.

ObjectiveUnlike other herpes viruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) is not ubiquitous worldwide and is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. The reasons for this are unclear. As part of a wider investigation of factors that facilitate transmission in Uganda, a high prevalence country, we examined the association between antimalaria antibodies and seropositivity against KSHV.MethodsAntibodies against P. falciparum merozoite surface protein (PfMSP)-1, P. falciparum apical membrane antigen (PfAMA)-1 and KSHV antigens (ORF73 and K8.1) were measured in samples from 1164 mothers and 1227 children.ResultsKaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus seroprevalence was 69% among mothers and 15% children. Among mothers, KSHV seroprevalence increased with malaria antibody titres: from 60% to 82% and from 54% to 77%, comparing those with the lowest and highest titres for PfMSP-1 and PfAMA-1, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among children, only antibodies to PfAMA-1 were significantly associated with KSHV seropositivity, (P < 0.0001). In both mothers and children, anti-ORF73 antibodies were more strongly associated with malaria antibodies than anti-K8.1 antibodies.ConclusionThe association between malaria exposure and KSHV seropositivity suggests that malaria is a cofactor for KSHV infection or reactivation.

Heterogeneity and breadth of host antibody response to KSHV infection demonstrated by systematic analysis of the KSHV proteome.

The Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) genome encodes more than 85 open reading frames (ORFs). Serological evaluation of KSHV infection now generally relies on reactivity to just one latent and/or one lytic protein (commonly ORF73 and K8.1). Most of the other polypeptides encoded by the virus have unknown antigenic profiles. We have systematically expressed and purified products from 72 KSHV ORFs in recombinant systems and analyzed seroreactivity in US patients with KSHV-associated malignancies, and US blood donors (low KSHV seroprevalence population). We identified several KSHV proteins (ORF38, ORF61, ORF59 and K5) that elicited significant responses in individuals with KSHV-associated diseases. In these patients, patterns of reactivity were heterogeneous; however, HIV infection appeared to be associated with breadth and intensity of serological responses. Improved antigenic characterization of additional ORFs may increase the sensitivity of serologic assays, lead to more rapid progresses in understanding immune responses to KSHV, and allow for better comprehension of the natural history of KSHV infection. To this end, we have developed a bead-based multiplex assay detecting antibodies to six KSHV antigens.

Seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus among men who have sex with men in Japan

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma, causes malignancies frequently in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In the United States and Europe, KSHV infection is common among men who have sex with men. However, the seroprevalence of KSHV among men who have sex with men in Japan is unknown. In the present study, the seroprevalence of KSHV was investigated among 230 men who have sex with men and 400 age- and area of residence-matched men (controls) using a mixed-antigen (KSHV-encoded K8.1, open reading frame 59, 65, and 73 proteins) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunofluorescence assay. Among the Japanese men who have sex with men, serological assays revealed that 27 (11.7%) were seropositive for KSHV; 20 (5%) of the men in the control group were also KSHV seropositive. The seroprevalence of KSHV among men who have sex with men was significantly higher than in the control group (odds ratio = 2.52, 95% confidence intervals = 1.38-4.62, P = 0.0019, Chi-square test). Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, Treponema pallidum, or hepatitis B and C virus did not correlate with KSHV infection. Furthermore, the association of KSHV seropositivity with specific sexual activities was not statistically significant. In conclusion, a higher KSHV seroprevalence was found among Japanese men who have sex with men than among the controls, suggesting that the circulation of KSHV infection is more efficient among men who have sex with men in Japan than among men who do not engage in such sexual activities.

Prevalence and correlates of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection in a sample of men who have sex with men in eastern China

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(KSHV) and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A total of 208 subjects were recruited from eastern China from 2008 to 2009. Plasma samples were collected and screened for KSHV, HIV and syphilis. Overall, KSHV seroprevalence was 32.7% in the subjects. About 92.7% of subjects reported having ever had anal sex with a man, of whom 67.8% had receptive anal sex and 77.9% had insertive anal sex. About 93.1% of the study participants reported having had oral sex with a man, of whom 76.0% had receptive oral sex and 56.7% had insertive oral sex. KSHV seropositivity was independently associated with receptive anal sex[odds ratio (OR) 2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–6.23], syphilis (OR 3.25, 95% CI1.56–6.76) and HSV-2 infection (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.09–5.26). KSHV infection is highly prevalent and is probably sexually transmitted among MSM in eastern China.

Gender Differences in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection in a Population with Schistosomiasis in Rural China

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causal agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a common cancer in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The risk factors for KSHV infection have been extensively studied for Western countries but remain largely undefined for other parts of the world. Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, was recently identified as a cofactor for KSHV infection in rural Egypt. In this study, we examined the seroprevalence of KSHV in a population along the Yangtze River in China that has a high incidence of schistosomiasis. KSHV seroprevalence in subjects with schistosomiasis was slightly higher than that in subjects without schistosomiasis, but the difference was not statistically significant (8.4% versus 6.6%; P = 0.204). However, after adjusting for gender, KSHV seroprevalence in men with schistosomiasis was found to be significantly higher than that in men without schistosomiasis (8.4% versus 2.8%; odds ratio [OR], 3.170; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.501-6.694; P = 0.002). Compared to men, women showed significantly higher seroprevalence of KSHV (5.9% versus 9.3%; OR, 1.621; 95% CI, 1.084-2.425; P = 0.019).

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection among the general Uygur population from south and north region of Xinjiang, China

BackgroundKaposi sarcoma (KS) is a complex multifocal neoplasm and is the major cause of death for about 50% of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic virus with a causal role in the development of all types of KS. KS is prevalent among the Uygur people in Xinjiang, especially in south area. Here we carried out a cross-sectional study among 1534 general Uygur individuals from south and north region of Xinjiang to assess the seroprevalence of KSHV and to identify the potential correlation between KSHV seroprevalence and KS incidence.ResultsSeroprevalence of KSHV in South and North Xinjiang was 23.1% and 25.9%, respectively. Older age was independently associated with higher KSHV seroprevalence. In subjects from South Xinjiang, lower educational level and reported drinking were each independently associated with higher KSHV seroprevalence. Furthermore, the antibody titer was significantly lower in both south and north KSHV seropositive individuals compared with KS patients, as analyzed by gradient dilution (P < 0.001).ConclusionKSHV is highly prevalent in the general Uygur population in both South and North Xinjiang. Interestingly, the infection rate of KSHV in these two geographical areas did not correlate well with KS incidence. Perhaps unknown factors exist that promote the progression of KSHV infection to KS development in the local minority groups.

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B

The seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B, the relationship between KSHV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and the influence of glycyrrhizic acid on KSHV replication in vivo are undefined. Plasma was collected from 211 patients with chronic hepatitis B. Antibody to KSHV ORF65 was evaluated by ELISA, and real-time PCR was used to quantify KSHV DNA and HBV DNA. The KSHV ORF65 positivity rate in patients with chronic hepatitis B was found to be 28% (59/211): 27.3% (44/161) in males and 30% (15/50) in females (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of KSHV increased with age until reaching the highest rate (37.1%) in the 31-40 years age group. HBV DNA loads in patients with chronic hepatitis B infected with KSHV were higher than those without KSHV infection (9.2 log (10) IU/ml vs. 7.8 log (10) IU/ml, P < 0.05). The average KSHV DNA loads in patients with HBV genotype B, C, and mixed (B/C) were 409.1, 484.5, and 352 copies/ml, respectively (P > 0.05). Patients treated with glycyrrhizic acid had lower KSHV DNA levels than those without therapy (204.7 copies/ml vs. 533.9 copies/ml, P < 0.05). The KSHV ORF65 positivity rates tended to increase with age, but were not related to gender or HBV genotypes. The data indicated the interaction between KSHV and HBV, and the inhibiting effect of glycyrrhizic acid on KSHV replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated-Herpes Virus (KSHV) Seroprevalence in Pregnant Women in South Africa

BackgroundFactors previously associated with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) transmission in Africa include sexual, familial, and proximity to river water. We measured the seroprevalence of KSHV in relation to HIV, syphilis, and demographic factors among pregnant women attending public antenatal clinics in the Gauteng province of South Africa.MethodsWe tested for antibodies to KSHV lytic K8.1 and latent Orf73 antigens in 1740 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics who contributed blood to the "National HIV and Syphilis Sero-Prevalence Survey - South Africa, 2001". Information on HIV and syphilis serology, age, education, residential area, gravidity, and parity was anonymously linked to evaluate risk factors for KSHV seropositivity. Clinics were grouped by municipality regions and their proximity to the two main river catchments defined.ResultsKSHV seropositivity (reactive to either lytic K8.1 and latent Orf73) was nearly twice that of HIV (44.6% vs. 23.1%). HIV and syphilis seropositivity was 12.7% and 14.9% in women without KSHV, and 36.1% and 19.9% respectively in those with KSHV. Women who are KSHV seropositive were 4 times more likely to be HIV positive than those who were KSHV seronegative (AOR 4.1 95%CI: 3.4 - 5.7). Although, women with HIV infection were more likely to be syphilis seropositive (AOR 1.8 95%CI: 1.3 - 2.4), no association between KSHV and syphilis seropositivity was observed. Those with higher levels of education had lower levels of KSHV seropositivity compared to those with lower education levels. KSHV seropositivity showed a heterogeneous pattern of prevalence in some localities.ConclusionsThe association between KSHV and HIV seropositivity and a lack of common association with syphilis, suggests that KSHV transmission may involve geographical and cultural factors other than sexual transmission.