Human herpesvirus 8 detection in nasal secretions and saliva

J Infect Dis. 1998 Jan;177(1):213-6. doi: 10.1086/517356.

Abstract

The presence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nasal secretions and saliva from 14 HHV-8-seropositive persons, including 8 Kaposi's sarcoma patients: 7 were human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected, 6 of whom were asymptomatic. HHV-8 was detected in one or both body fluids in 8 (57%) of 14 subjects. Parallel PCR testing revealed the concomitant presence of cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and HHV-6 in various combinations in these body fluids. These data indicate frequent shedding of multiple herpesviruses in nasal secretions and saliva, particularly in Kaposi's sarcoma patients. Both body fluids are therefore potential sources HHV-8 by nonsexual transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytomegalovirus / isolation & purification
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1
  • Herpesviridae Infections / blood
  • Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / transmission
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology
  • Male
  • Nasal Lavage Fluid / virology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Saliva / virology*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral