Kaposi's Sarcoma and Human Herpesvirus 8 in Cuba: evidence of subtype B expansion

Virology. 2012 Oct 25;432(2):361-9. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.06.014. Epub 2012 Jul 12.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the temporal distribution (1991-2009) and associated variation of KSHV subtypes in Cuba.

Method: Phylogenetic characterization based on the KSHV K1 gene was performed using 90 KSHV positive samples.

Results: Molecular characterization confirmed the prevalence of a wide range of KSHV subtypes (A: n=48 [A5=12]; C: n=15; B: n=22; and E: n=5). In the current study, we observed a significant increase in HHV-8 subtype B after 2004 (p=0.0063). This Subtype B in Cuba was associated with: heterosexual behaviour (OR: 3.63, CI: 1,2-10,98; p=0.03), with the antecedent of acquiring HIV/KSHV in Africa (p=0.0003), with nodular stage of KS lesions (OR 4.2, CI: 1.1 to 15.7; p=0.04).

Conclusion: Our study is the first to report KSHV Subtype B expansion in Cuba, that might be reflective of a change in human behavioural pattern.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / virology
  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cuba / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / classification
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / epidemiology*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • K1 protein, Human herpesvirus 8
  • Viral Proteins