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. 2000 Mar;27(3):159-64.
doi: 10.1097/00007435-200003000-00008.

Prevalence and risk factors for human herpesvirus 8 infection in northern Cameroon

G Rezza  1 , O B Tchangmena, M Andreoni, R Bugarini, L Toma, D K Bakary, M Glikoutou, L Sarmati, P Monini, P Pezzotti, B Ensoli
Affiliations

Prevalence and risk factors for human herpesvirus 8 infection in northern Cameroon

G Rezza et al. Sex Transm Dis. 2000 Mar.

Abstract

Background: The modes of transmission of HHV-8 are still unclear.

Goal: To evaluate the distribution and transmission of HHV-8 infection.

Design: Serosurvey conducted in a Cameroon hospital among 292 persons, including children (5-10 years), adolescents (15-20 years), and adults (30-40 years). Antibodies against lytic and latent antigens to HHV-8 were detected by immunofluorescence assay; antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus viral antigens were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay.

Results: The prevalence of HHV-8 antilytic antibodies remained stable and was 39.8% among children, 51.5% among adolescents, and 61.8% among adults. Epstein-Barr virus seroprevalence was high among children, and remained stable among adolescents and adults. A history of sexually transmitted diseases was an independent determinant of HHV-8 infection (adjusted odds ratio 2.47; 95% CI 1.09-4.91).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of HHV-8 infection among children indicates nonsexual modes of transmission in Cameroon, with sexual transmission occurring among adolescents and adults.

PIP: The modes of transmission of HHV-8 are still unclear. To evaluate the distribution and transmission of HHV-8 infection serosurvey was conducted in a Cameroon hospital among 292 persons, including children (5-10 years), adolescents (15-20 years), and adults (30-40 years). Antibodies against lytic and latent antigens to HHV-8 were detected by immunofluorescence assay; antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus viral antigens were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. The prevalence of HHV-8 antilytic antibodies remained stable and was 39.8% among children, 51.5% among adolescents, and 61.8% among adults. Epstein-Barr virus seroprevalence was high among children, and remained stable among adolescents and adults. A history of sexually transmitted diseases was an independent determinant of HHV-8 infection (adjusted odds ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.09-4.91). The high prevalence of HHV-8 infection among children indicates nonsexual modes of transmission in Cameroon, with sexual transmission occurring among adolescents and adults.

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