Novel human herpesvirus 8 subtype D strains in Vanuatu, Melanesia

Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Nov;13(11):1745-8. doi: 10.3201/eid1311.070636.

Abstract

We show human herpesvirus 8 with diverse molecular subtype D variants to be highly endemic among the Ni-Vanuatu population. Most K1 genes were nearly identical to Polynesian strains, although a few clustered with Australian or Taiwanese strains. These results suggest diverse origins of the Ni-Vanuatu population and raise questions about the ancient human population movements in Melanesia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / methods
  • Genetic Variation / genetics
  • Herpesviridae Infections / blood
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / classification*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Melanesia / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pedigree
  • Phylogeny
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / blood
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / epidemiology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • K1 protein, Human herpesvirus 8
  • Viral Proteins