Association between transfusion with human herpesvirus 8 antibody-positive blood and subsequent mortality.

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is endemic in Uganda and transmissible by blood. We evaluated mortality following transfusion of HHV-8 antibody-positive blood.

Methods: In a hospital-based, observational, prospective cohort study with a 6-month follow-up, we examined the effect of HHV-8 antibody-positive blood on transfusion recipients surviving at least 7 days.

Quantitation of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) antibody in patients transfused with HHV-8-seropositive blood.

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is endemic in Uganda where seroprevalence is approximately 40%. In a previous study, Ugandan patients receiving blood transfusions had multiple serum specimens collected for 6 months after transfusion to monitor for HHV-8 infection. It was observed that several HHV-8-seronegative patients were unexpectedly HHV-8 seropositive after blood transfusion.

The effect of HIV on morbidity and mortality in children with severe malarial anaemia.

Background: Malaria and HIV are common causes of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The effect of HIV infection on morbidity and mortality in children with severe malarial anaemia was assessed.

Methods: Children <5 years old were followed as part of a prospective cohort study to assess the transfusion-associated transmission of blood-borne pathogens at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Transmission of human herpesvirus 8 by blood transfusion.

Background: Whether human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is transmissible by blood transfusion remains undetermined. We evaluated the risk of HHV-8 transmission by blood transfusion in Uganda, where HHV-8 is endemic.

Methods: We enrolled patients in Kampala, Uganda, who had received blood transfusions between December 2000 and October 2001.