HLA polymorphisms and detection of kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus DNA in saliva and peripheral blood among children and their mothers in the uganda sickle cell anemia KSHV Study.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also called Human herpesvirus 8 or HHV8) is a γ-2 herpesvirus that causes Kaposi sarcoma. KSHV seroprevalence rates vary geographically with variable rates recorded in different sub Sahara African countries, suggesting that effects of genetic and/or environmental factors may influence the risk of infection. One study conducted in South Africa, where KSHV seroprevalence is relatively low, found that carriage of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles HLA-A*6801, HLA-A*30, HLA-A*4301, and HLA-DRB1*04 was associated with increased shedding of KSHV DNA in saliva.

Molecular evidence for mother-to-child transmission of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus in Uganda and K1 gene evolution within the host.

Background: Epidemiological studies of Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-related herpesvirus (KSHV) indicate that having a KSHV-seropositive mother is a risk factor for KSHV infection in children.

Methods: We determined the KSHV K1 sequences in concordantly polymerase chain reaction-positive Ugandan mother-child pairs, to ascertain whether they shared the same viral strain. We also examined sequences amplified from saliva and buffy coat samples from the same subjects, to investigate potential intrasubject sequence differences.

High levels of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in saliva and peripheral blood from Ugandan mother-child pairs.

In Africa, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with Burkitt lymphoma. We measured levels of EBV DNA in saliva and buffy coats from 233 asymptomatic Ugandan children with sickle cell disease and their mothers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. EBV DNA was detected in saliva from 90% of the children (median [interquartile range [IQR]] level, 5.

Water, socioeconomic factors, and human herpesvirus 8 infection in Ugandan children and their mothers.

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection is common in sub-Saharan Africa, but its distribution is uneven. Transmission occurs during childhood within families by unclear routes.

Methods: We evaluated 600 Ugandan children with sickle cell disease and their mothers for factors associated with HHV-8 seropositivity in a cross-sectional study.

Detection of kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus DNA in saliva and buffy-coat samples from children with sickle cell disease in Uganda.

Among 233 children, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA was detected in 43% of children seropositive for both K8.1 and orf73, in 29% of children seropositive for K8.1 only, in 14% of children seropositive for orf73 only, and in 7% of children seronegative for both K8.

Human herpesvirus 8 infection and transfusion history in children with sickle-cell disease in Uganda.

Background: Although human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), the etiologic agent for Kaposi's sarcoma, can be detected in peripheral blood, blood-borne transmission of this virus has not been demonstrated. We studied the association between HHV-8 seropositivity and transfusion history among children with sickle-cell disease in Uganda, where HHV-8 infection is common in blood donors.

Methods: We studied 600 children (aged 0-16 years) with sickle-cell disease at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, from November 2001 through April 2002.