Seropositivity to human herpesvirus 8 in relation to sexual history and risk of sexually transmitted infections among women

The made of transmission of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) was investigated in two seroepidemiological studies of Swedish women who completed a questionna ire about sexual behavior. Seropositivity for HHV8 antibodies, measured usi ng an indirect immunofluorescence assay, was linked to a high number (> 10) of sexual partners (P < 0.004). It also correlated strongly with a history of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD; P < 0.0001), in particular wi th a history of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and condyloma acuminata, Th ere was appreciable HHV8 seropositivity already among virginal or monogamou s women (9%). In summary, HHV8 transmission to women in Sweden may occur no nsexually. When sexual transmission occurs, it appears to be associated wit h high risk-taking sexual behavior. Int. J, Cancer 87: 232-235. 2000, (C) 2 000 Wiley-Liss. Inc.