Prevalence and transmission of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8) in Ugandan children and adolescents
International journal of cancer, 1998•Wiley Online Library
We studied the seroprevalence and transmission of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated
herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8), among 215 Ugandan children, adolescents and young adults.
We measured antibodies to a latent nuclear antigen (LANA) and a lytic cycle protein
encoded by open reading frame (orf) 65. Infection with KSHV/HHV8 occurred during early
childhood and reached adult levels (approx. 50%) before the age of puberty. In children
younger than 12 years of age, antibodies to LANA and the orf65 protein were independently …
herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8), among 215 Ugandan children, adolescents and young adults.
We measured antibodies to a latent nuclear antigen (LANA) and a lytic cycle protein
encoded by open reading frame (orf) 65. Infection with KSHV/HHV8 occurred during early
childhood and reached adult levels (approx. 50%) before the age of puberty. In children
younger than 12 years of age, antibodies to LANA and the orf65 protein were independently …
Abstract
We studied the seroprevalence and transmission of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8), among 215 Ugandan children, adolescents and young adults. We measured antibodies to a latent nuclear antigen (LANA) and a lytic cycle protein encoded by open reading frame (orf) 65. Infection with KSHV/HHV8 occurred during early childhood and reached adult levels (approx. 50%) before the age of puberty. In children younger than 12 years of age, antibodies to LANA and the orf65 protein were independently associated with hepatitis B infection (p < 0.005). KSHV/HHV8 infection was not associated with antibodies to hepatitis A virus and hepatitis C virus, nor with the quality of the water supply, household size, previous blood transfusions, number of boy/girl friends or marital status. Antibodies to the orf65 protein, but not LANA, were weakly associated with a history of i.v. injections. Our results show that, in contrast to its sexual mode of transmission among homo/bisexual men and sexually transmitted diseases clinic attendees of Northern Europe and the US, transmission of KSHV in Uganda occurs largely before puberty. Among Ugandan children, KSHV transmission follows a horizontal pattern similar to other herpesviruses, in particular the related γ herpesvirus, Epstein‐Barr virus. Transmission of KSHV may be facilitated by living conditions that also promote infection with hepatitis B virus. Int. J. Cancer 77:817–820, 1998.© 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
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