Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in familial Kaposi's sarcoma

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) has been detected in various epidemiological forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Since familial KS cases are exceedingly rare and the occurrence of familial KS in siblings has thought to depend rather on genetic factors than on a viral factor, familial KS has not been investigated for the presence of HHV-8. To investigate whether HHV-8 is present also in this rare form of KS, we examined tumor biopsies of 2 siblings with familial KS for the presence of HHV-8 specific DNA sequences by a nested PCR protocol. HHV-8 DNA sequences could be detected in KS specimens of both patients. Sequence analysis revealed an identical DNA sequence of HHV-8 in KS tissue of both siblings, but the sequence in our cases differs in one base pair at position 67 from the previously published HHV-8 KS330Bam fragment. The findings indicate that besides the yet poorly defined genetical factors involved in the pathogenesis of KS, HHV-8 may act as a cofactor also in familial KS. In addition, our data demonstrate that HHV-8 is found in all epidemiological forms of KS, including the rarely occurring familial KS. Familial KS may act as a further model to study the interaction of an oncogenic virus with genetic host factors in the context of a neoplastic disorder.     

Human herpesvirus 8 seroprevalence in an STD clinic in Paris: a study of 512 patients

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is thought to be possibly sexually transmitted in some populations, but few data are available on this mode of transmission.GOAL The goal was to study HHV-8 seroprevalence in patients attending a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic and to search for predictive factors of HHV-8 seropositivity. STUDY DESIGN: Five hundred twelve consecutive patients attending the STD clinic of H?pital Saint-Louis (Paris) were tested for HHV-8 antibodies (immunofluorescence assay using two cell lines, BCP-1 and ISI n. butyrate [3 mmol/l]). A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain demographic, behavioral, and clinical data. Predictive factors of HHV-8 seropositivity were considered in univariate and multivariate analysis with use of logistic regression models. RESULTS: In testing of the patients for HHV-8 antibodies, 67/512 (13.1%) tested positive: 53/346 (15.3%) of men and 14/166 (8.4%) of women ( = 0.03). The predictive factors of HHV-8 seropositivity for men were the country of origin (Central Africa, odds ratio [OR]: 7.5; North Africa, OR: 5.5), homosexuality (OR: 3.7), and visiting prostitutes (OR: 7.1). For women they were country of origin (Central Africa, OR: 8.3) and presence of HSV-2 antibodies (OR: 6.5, tendency). CONCLUSION: Our study does not show clear relationships between HHV-8 seropositivity and sexual behavior, apart from homosexuality, but visiting prostitutes (for men) and HSV-2 seropositivity (for women) could be subtle clues supporting the hypothesis of heterosexual transmission.     

Human herpesvirus 8 infection in patients with cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8; Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) infection in patients with lymphoproliferative skin diseases such as large-plaque parapsoriasis (LPP) and mycosis fungoides compared with inflammatory cutaneous conditions or healthy control subjects. DESIGN: A survey study was undertaken in 123 subjects with various clinical conditions. SETTING: All patients had been seen in the Dermatology Department of the San Gallicano Dermatology Institute, Rome, Italy, in the last 2 years. PATIENTS: Forty-five patients with inflammatory or autoimmune cutaneous diseases, 50 healthy control subjects, 10 patients with LPP, 12 patients with mycosis fungoides, and 6 patients with classic Kaposi sarcoma were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of HHV-8 infection was investigated with serologic studies using the gold standard assay based on body cavity-based B-cell lymphoma-1 cells latently infected with HHV-8. The presence of HHV-8 conserved sequence, corresponding to open reading frame 26, was also assessed in the peripheral blood and lesion tissue samples from patients with lymphoproliferative cutaneous diseases with nested polymerase chain reaction. The presence and distribution of cell types infected with HHV-8 in the lesion tissues was determined with immunohistochemical staining with the monoclonal antibody directed against the latent nuclear antigen-1 of HHV-8 encoded by open reading frame 73. RESULTS: In healthy control subjects and patients with inflammatory skin diseases, 13.9% were found to have antibody against HHV-8, consistent with the seroprevalence population in Italy. A highly significant association of HHV-8 infection and LPP was found (100%) compared with mycosis fungoides (25%). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 8 of 10 patients with LPP were found to harbor viral sequences at nested polymerase chain reaction, whereas none of them had a detectable serum viral load. All LPP lesion tissue samples were positive for HHV-8-encoded open reading frame 26, and the presence of HHV-8-infected cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry profiles performed on paraffin-embedded tissues from 4 of 10 patients. The positive cell types included endothelial cells and the infiltrating dermal lymphocytes, characteristic hallmarks of LPP. Analysis of T-cell receptor gamma chain rearrangements in lesion tissue from our patients confirmed the lack of a significant association between T-cell clonality and LPP. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that HHV-8 may play a role in the onset of LPP, a disease whose cause and evolution are still undefined and which has often been considered the early stage of mycosis fungoides.     

HIV - associated and non - HIV associated types of Kaposi's sarcoma in an African population in Tanzania. Status of immune suppression and HHV-8 seroprevalence

In this study 77 patients with histologically confirmed Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) were seen at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) in Moshi, Tanzania. Sixty six patients (85.7%) were HIV-seropositive KS-patients (40 males, 26 females; male: female ratio 1.5:1), whereas another 11 (14.3%) KS-patients, all males, were found HIV-seronegative, thus corresponding to the endemic African KS-type. In both groups the CD4+ cell counts were generally low, the CD8+ population increased and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio inverted. Immune suppression was, however, more prominent in the HIV-seropositive group.HHV-8 seroprevalence was high in patients with HIV-associated KS (94.6%), nevertheless, 3 (5.4%) patients in this group remained HHV-8 seronegative. All nine patients with the HIV-seronegative African type of KS were found positive for HHV-8. Of the entire group seen, males were more likely to be HHV-8 seropositive than females (OR = 3.348 95% CI, 0.96-11.65; p < 0.05). The relative risk to develop KS in individuals seropositive to both HIV and HHV-8 was high (OR = 10.6, 95% CI; 2.981-37.688; p < 0.001).Overall, HIV-associated KS differed from the non-HIV-associated by its widespread clinical dissemination on the trunk, the frequent involvement of the oral mucosa and the craniofacial region, and its more rapidly progressive course. No histological differences between the two KS-groups were seen, although spindle cell infiltrates were more often found in the HIV-associated KS-group.     

Human T lymphotropic virus type I/II infection: prevalence and risk factors in individuals testing for HIV in counseling centers from Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence and to investigate risk factors for human T lymphotropic virus type I/II (HTLV I/II) infection among subjects who tested for HIV at three counseling centers in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in which subjects screened for HIV were tested for HTLV. Socioeconomic and demographic data, social and sexual behavior, history of having been breastfed, and past blood transfusion or drug use were gathered with a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 2985 participants, 2.4% had HTLV infection confirmed (1.4% HTLV I). The risk increased with age, but there was no difference among genders. The multivariate model shows that injecting cocaine users were 5.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.5-10.7) times more likely to be HTLV I/II-positive than non-injecting cocaine users and HIV infection persisted as an independent risk factor. CONCLUSION: Among persons presenting at HIV testing centers in Porto Alegre, Brazil, HTLV I was three times more common than HTLV II; injection drug use was the predominant mode of transmission.     

Skin diseases associated with human herpesvirus 6, 7, and 8 infection

Relatively recently, the discovery and analysis of three new human herpesviruses, human herpesvirus (HHV)-6, HHV-7, and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as HHV-8, has contributed greatly to our understanding of the pathogenesis of several common dermatoses. HHV-6 and HHV-7 are closely related beta-herpesviruses that have been linked with roseola (mostly HHV-6), severe drug eruptions (HHV-6), and pityriasis rosea (mostly HHV-7). KSHV is a gamma-herpesvirus that is now believed to be the long sought after etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma. The evidence for these skin disease associations and key findings from recent basic science investigations on viral pathogenesis are discussed in this review. In addition, possible therapeutic implications of these research studies are explored.     

HIV感染者／AIDS患者口腔念珠菌病研究进展

口腔念珠菌病是HIV感染者／ANDS患者最常见的机会性感染,现从病原学、机体免疫状况、与HIV感染的相关性及耐药方面相关研究进展作一综述。     

Prevalence and risk factors for herpes simplex infection among patients at high risk for HIV infection in Brazil

Background Herpes simplex infection is responsible for substantial morbidity in patients with HIV infection. Data from less‐developed countries analyzing risk factors within this population are largely unavailable. Aims Investigate the incidence and seroprevalence of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infection in populations at high and low risk for HIV infection. Materials and methods A prospective cohort study was performed in a population at high risk for STDs composed of 170 HIV seronegative male homosexuals and bisexuals (group A). The population at low risk for STDs was composed of 155 volunteer male blood donors (group B). All blood samples were screened using a type specific ELISA to HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 glycoprotein G (gG). Results The prevalence of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infection among all the 325 patients was 83.5% and 63.4%, respectively. Annual incidence of HSV‐1 and 2 among group A were 0.053% and 0.08%, respectively. Among group B, the incidence for HSV‐1 was 0.04% and for HSV‐2 was 0.02%. Educational parameters (P<0.001), irregular use of condoms (P<0.001), and percentage of previous receptive anal intercourse (P<0,012) were significantly associated with seropositivity to HSV‐2. About 8.4% of the HSV‐1 seronegative subjects presented recurrence episodes of herpes labialis as well as 7.6% of the HSV‐2 seronegative patients had genital herpes in the past. Discussion The high seroprevalence detected suggests that routine screening for HSV should be performed in populations at high risk for STDs, especially in HIV‐infected patients. Conclusion Educational campaigns, with particular focus on the transmission of HSV, and the regular use of condoms are important measures to reduce the HSV dissemination among patients with less advanced educations and at high risk for STDs.     

大连市HIV感染者/AIDS病人行为习惯的调查分析

目的:了解大连市HIV感染者/AIDS病人的现状及其行为习惯。方法:对参加大连市艾滋病自愿咨询与检测门诊的HIV感染者/AIDS病人进行问卷调查,进行相关的统计描述与分析。结果:发出问卷200份,有效问卷151份。其中男性136人(90.1%),女性15人(9.9%)。近期(7d以内)调查中92.2%的患者并未存在漏服,但在既往史调查中发现有多半数患者曾经存在漏服。感染后有性生活的为67.4%,58.3%与配偶每次都会使用安全套,与其他性伴使用安全套的频率为87.0%。被调查人群感染后至今有性接触的在不同性别上有统计学意义(χ2=7.06,P0.05),感染后再有性接触者男性多于女性;在不同文化程度上有统计学意义(χ2=4.49,P0.05),感染后再有性接触者学历高中以上者多于初中以下者。认为与配偶发生性行为有必要使用安全套的占77.3%。临时性伴中92.9%的人群并不知晓患者的病情。同性性行为(MSM)人群中,有固定同性性伴的占50.5%;群交行为发生率19.6%。男性性工作者(MB)人群中目前每天的性伴数目,1个以上者占62.5%。有群交行为62.5%。结论:应有计划地在普通人群中进行宣传教育,制定有效的措施,降低社会对艾滋病的恐慌、歧视,减少由艾滋病病毒感染者引发的社会问题。为艾滋病患者提供社会关怀和感情支持,为今后有针对性的开展艾滋病防治工作提供依据。     

Seroprevalence of HHV-8 infection in the pediatric population of two university hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

BACKGROUND: The authors present a serologic survey of the prevalence of herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) among 171 children from 0 to 12 years old in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sera were tested for latent nuclear and lytic antigens using indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting. RESULTS: Serology for HHV-8 was positive in 16 of 171 patients (9.35%). Among 13 HIV-positive patients, four (31%) were also positive for HHV-8. The seropositivity among healthy children was 7.6%, and females were significantly (P<0.002) more associated with HHV-8 seropositivity (16%) than males (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: We detected a higher HHV-8 seroprevalence among the pediatric population in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when compared with similar studies performed in other countries. Nonsexual routes of transmission are a possible explanation for this pattern. The unusual finding of a higher seroprevalence among female children could be explained by a specific route of exposition or even an epidemiological bias.     

人疱疹病毒8型ORF26单核苷酸多态性研究

目的 探讨人疱疹病毒8型(HHV-8)ORF26的单核苷酸多态性,分析其与Kaposi肉瘤不同临床分型及黏膜侵袭性的相关性.方法 Kaposi肉瘤患者32例,其中经典型26例,艾滋病相关型6例.使用酚-氯仿-异戊醇方法对Kaposi肉瘤石蜡包埋组织进行HHV-8 DNA抽提,采用巢式PCR方法扩增ORF26基因并双向测序,使用DNAStar软件和Clustal W软件分析ORF26基因的单核苷酸多态性.运用Fisher确切概率法对结果进行统计学分析.结果 ORF26基因研究发现,32例Kaposi肉瘤患者中HHV-8阳性30例,6例艾滋病相关型HHV-8均为阳性.30例患者的病毒株中,HHV-8 ORF26基因SNP主要集中在981T/C( 12例)、1086C/T(12例)、1139A/C(12例);HHV-8 ORF26基因单核苷酸多态性在不同临床分型或有无黏膜损害的Kaposi肉瘤之间的差异无统计学意义.结论 HHV-8 ORF26基因单核苷酸多态性可能与Kaposi肉瘤不同临床分型和黏膜侵袭性无关.     

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

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.     

Feigned HIV infection/AIDS: malingering and Munchausen''s syndrome.

Feigned HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in which people mimic infection with or disease due to HIV, accounted for 1.7% of admissions to our specialist HIV unit in Central London over a 5 year period. Of 12 patients with feigned HIV/AIDS, 11 were HIV antibody-negative, and one refused testing. Presenting histories were sometimes grandiose, unusually tragic, or unlikely in relation to the patients' healthy appearance, and often included admissions to other specialist HIV units. Substance abuse was suspected in over half of the patients described, a higher frequency than that observed in our HIV-infected patient population. The possibility of feigned HIV/AIDS should be remembered in persons with self-reported HIV infection. Recognition of this condition is important to avoid costly and potentially dangerous investigation and therapy.     

Human herpesvirus type 8 and Epstein–Barr virus-associated cutaneous lymphoma taking anaplastic large cell morphology in a man with HIV infection

Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus)-positive lymphoma taking anaplastic large cell morphology in the skin is described in a 46-year-old man with AIDS. Multiple erythematous nodules appeared on the trunk and extremities during the treatment of AIDS. Histological examination of cutaneous nodules showed dense infiltration of CD30 + atypical lymphoid cells in the deep dermis. Immunoglobulin JH gene rearrangement was detected in these lymphoma cells. Both Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA and HHV-8 mRNA (T1.1/nut-1) were detected in these lymphoma cells by in situ hybridization. Remarkable retention of the pericardial fluid was observed at the same time that cutaneous lesions grew, and lymphoma cells in the pericardial fluid showed the same phenotype as the cutaneous lymphoma. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone effectively reduced both the cutaneous nodules and pericardial fluid. However, the patient died 4 months after diagnosis because of cytomegalovirus infection. As far as we know, this is the first report of an HHV-8-positive cutaneous lymphoma taking anaplastic large cell morphology. This case suggests the association of AIDS-related anaplastic large cell lymphoma with HHV-8.     

北京市HIV/AIDS患者生存质量现状及影响因素分析

目的 分析艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者及艾滋病(AIDS)患者(简称HIV/AIDS患者)的生存质量现状,探讨相关影响因素,为提高随访管理和改善患者的生存质量提供参考.方法 使用世界卫生组织(WHO)艾滋病生存质量简表(WHOQOL-HIV BREF)和中文版艾滋病压力量表(CSS-HIV)对北京市220例HIV/AID...     

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence in persons attending STD clinics in the United States, 1985-1987

We reviewed published and unpublished studies on seroprevalence of HIV antibody in persons attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in the United States from 1985 through 1987. We identified 23 studies from 16 states; nine studies determined risk factors for HIV. Overall, 899 (4.2%) of the 21,352 clinic attendees were seropositive; the seroprevalence rate was higher for men (5.9%) than for women (1.7%). Clinic seroprevalence ranged from 0.5% to 15.2% (median, 3.5%), reflecting in part the proportion of all attendees who were homosexual or bisexual, intravenous-drug users (IVDUs), or heterosexual partners of bisexual men or IVDUs (median proportion, 21.8% for the nine sites with this information). Most HIV-seropositive persons were at recognized risk (median for the same nine studies, 85.3%). Homosexual/bisexual men had the highest seroprevalence (median, 32.2%), followed by heterosexual IVDUs (median, 3.6%). Heterosexuals who denied intravenous-drug use had a median rate of 0.9%, which strongly correlated with rates in IVDUs in the same clinics (r = 0.88). We conclude many STD clinic attendees are infected with HIV. Because AIDS is an STD and seroprevalence has been associated with other STDs, STD clinics are important sites for HIV surveillance and risk-reduction education.     

Presentation, pathology, and outcome of HIV associated renal disease in a specialist centre for HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVES: To describe the presentation, pathology, and outcome of biopsy proved renal disease in HIV infected patients at a central London HIV unit from 1992 to 1996. METHODS: Retrospective review of a computerised database and case notes to identify patients with renal disease confirmed by antemortem percutaneous renal biopsy or necropsy. RESULTS: 17 patients were identified, 13 had biopsy and four necropsy confirmed renal disease. Abnormalities included HIV associated nephropathy (HIVAN) in seven (41%) patients, membranous glomerulonephritis (GN) in four (23%), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in two (12%), and interstitial nephritis, rhabdomyolysis, IgA nephropathy, and membranoproliferative GN in one patient each. Although renal disease was the first presentation of HIV disease in six (35%) patients the majority had advanced HIV disease (median CD4 count 40 x 10(6)/l). The commonest presentation was acute renal failure (ARF) in 10 (59%) patients, chronic renal failure (CRF) in five (29%), and proteinuria alone in two (12%). Although the majority of patients died during the study period (9/13) only three deaths were attributable to their renal disease. Survival ranged in those with HIVAN from 0 to 31 (median 10) months and, in those with membraneous GN from 1 to 46 (median 29) months. CONCLUSIONS: HIVAN was the commonest renal disease found in this group of patients; however, a variety of other pathologies were seen with variable outcomes. All cases of HIVAN were in patients of African or Afro-Caribbean origin and for the majority this was their first presentation of HIV disease. Nephrologists need to be aware of the possibility of HIV infection in patients presenting with renal disease.