Detection of Epstein-Barr virus, but not human herpesvirus 8, DNA in cervical secretions from Swedish women by real-time polymerase chain reaction

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) are two related herpesviruses that may be sexually transmitted. GOAL: To examine the presence of HHV-8 and EBV DNA in the female genital tract. STUDY DESIGN: Real-time polymerase chain reaction systems for quantification of DNA from HHV-8, EBV, and herpes simplex virus type 2 were developed and used for examination of cervical secretions from 112 Swedish women. HHV-8, EBV, and herpes simplex virus type 2 serology was also performed on samples from all subjects. RESULTS: EBV DNA was found in 10 cervical secretion samples, sometimes in high amounts. No cervical secretion or leukocyte sample contained detectable HHV-8 DNA. Antibodies to HHV-8-latent and -lytic antigens were found in 2.7 % and 24% of serum samples, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study supports a possible sexual route of transmission for EBV but not for HHV-8. The new real-time polymerase chain reaction systems could be valuable in future studies of relations between virus load and disease.