DETECTION OF HUMAN-HERPESVIRUS-8 DNA-SEQUENCES IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS OF CHILDREN

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA sequences were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) DNA samples of 56 children, 15 healthy a dults, and 10 renal transplant patients by the polymerase chain reacti on (PCR). The PCR amplification was carried out using the published KS 330(233) primer pairs to amplify HHV-8 DNA sequences. The PCR-amplifie d products were confirmed by Southern blot hybridization with radiolab eled 233 bp HHV-8 DNA fragment, which was cloned and sequenced from th e PCR-amplified product of Kaposi's sarcoma tissue. Six PCR-amplified product of four children and two renal transplant patients were cloned and sequenced. HHV-8 DNA sequences were detected in 36 of 56 (64%) no rmal children, in 12 of 15 (80%) healthy adults, and in all 10 renal t ransplant patients by Southern blot hybridization of PCR-amplified pro ducts. Six PCR-amplified products were confirmed by sequencing. These results suggest that HHV-8 infection is prevalent in the Japanese popu lation with infection occurring in early childhood. (C) Wiley-Liss, In c.