High human herpesvirus 8 seroprevalence in the homosexual population in Switzerland

J Clin Microbiol. 1998 Jun;36(6):1784-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.36.6.1784-1786.1998.

Abstract

The seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in the Swiss population was investigated. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, sera reactive to the recombinant HHV-8 antigen orf 65.2 were found in 24% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients without and in 92% of HIV-positive patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. Surprisingly, 20% of homosexual HIV-negative men, versus only 7% of heterosexual HIV-negative individuals and 5% of blood donors, had antibodies to HHV-8.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • HIV Seronegativity
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / immunology*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / epidemiology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / immunology
  • Switzerland / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral