Comparison of the prevalence of antibodies to human herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) in Brazil and Colorado

J Infect Dis. 1998 Nov;178(5):1488-91. doi: 10.1086/314457.

Abstract

The prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8; Kaposi's sarcoma [KS] herpesvirus) infection was determined by IFA in 297 persons living in Brazil and Colorado. The prevalence of antibody to HHV-8 in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-seropositive gay men with and without KS was similar in Brazil and Colorado. In Brazil, the prevalence of HHV-8 antibody was significantly greater in HIV-1-seronegative gay men than in HIV-1-seronegative male intravenous drug users. HHV-8-seropositive Brazilian gay men who had a clinical diagnosis of KS or who were infected with HIV-1 had significantly higher titers of HHV-8 antibody than did HHV-8-seropositive, HIV-1-seronegative Brazilian gay men. These findings provide further support for the association between HHV-8 infection and KS and suggest that, as in the United States, HHV-8 infection is transmitted sexually in Brazil.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cell Line
  • Colorado / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV Seronegativity
  • HIV-1
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / immunology*
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral