Geographical differences in human herpesvirus 8 seroepidemiology: A surveyof 1,201 individuals in Asia

Since the discovery of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) as a contributory cause o f Kaposis sarcoma, the clinical role of this virus has been actively invest igated. An understanding of HHV8 seroepidemiology is critical for the study of its pathogenesis within a specific environment. A sere-survey is descri bed in Taiwan of 1,201 individuals ranging in age from under 1 year to over 70. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to determine antibody titer s against both latent and lytic antigens of HHV8. The results indicate that very few individuals (3-4%) were exposed to HHV8 before 10 years of age. I nfection rate peaked (19.2%) between the ages of 21 to 40. Females showed a slightly higher seroprevalence for HHV8 than males, but the difference was not statistically significant. Pregnancy did not correlate with increased HHV8 infection rate nor with augmented HHV8 antibody titers. It is conclude d that HHV8 in Taiwan is predominantly an infectious agent for adults. In t his geographical locale, HHV8 is similar to herpes simplex virus type 2 in its likely transmission occurring presumptively through sexual routes. Howe ver, the study also indicates that a smaller portion of HHV8-transmission c ould occur through nonsexual contacts. J. Med. Virol. 60: 290-293, 2000. (C ) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.