Human herpes virus type 8 seroprevalence in pregnant women in Geneva, Switzerland

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2011 Jan;24(1):183-5. doi: 10.3109/14767058.2010.482623. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Abstract

Because of increasing migration, European countries are facing new pathogens and diseases, such as human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8). We assessed the prevalence of HHV-8 using a new ELISA test in 140 pregnant women delivering in Geneva (Switzerland). The prevalence of HHV-8 was 7.9% globally and up to 33.3% in the African subpopulation. Seropositive women were more frequently older (≥32 years old) than seronegative ones: 81.8% vs. 43%; p = 0.023, respectively. In conclusion, HHV-8 infection is present in European pregnant women. Attention should be given to the emergence of infectious diseases, such as HHV-8, and their impact on health in nonendemic countries.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy / immunology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Switzerland / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral