Seroprevalence of HHV-8 in Southeast Asia and Other Regions
Author Information
Author(s): Ablashi D, Chatlynne L, Cooper H, Thomas D, Yadav M, Norhanom A W, Chandana A K, Churdboonchart V, Kulpradist S A R, Patnaik M, Liegmann K, Masood R, Reitz M, Cleghorn F, Manns A, Levine P H, Rabkin C, Biggar R, Jensen F, Gill P, Jack N, Edwards J, Whitman J, Boshoff C
Hypothesis
Is the seroprevalence of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) low in Southeast Asia compared to other regions like the USA and Africa?
Conclusion
Seroprevalence of HHV-8 is low in Southeast Asia, correlating with low reports of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Seroprevalence of HHV-8 was found to be low in Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad, Jamaica, and the USA.
- There is a correlation between low HHV-8 seroprevalence and the low incidence of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma in these regions.
- In contrast, high seroprevalences were observed in Ghana, Uganda, and Zambia.
Takeaway
The study found that very few people in Southeast Asia have antibodies to HHV-8, which is linked to a low occurrence of a specific cancer.
Methodology
The study assessed seroprevalence in various countries among healthy individuals and those infected with HIV.
Limitations
The study may not represent all populations in the regions studied.
Participant Demographics
Participants included healthy individuals and those infected with HIV from Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad, Jamaica, and the USA.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website