HHV-8 DNA in Saliva of HIV and Non-HIV Infected Individuals

Universidade Federal De Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), the main agent involved in the aetiopathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The potential of saliva as a source of HHV-8 transmission remains unclear.

Objective: To determine the frequency of HHV-8 detection in saliva of HIV infected and non-HIV individuals and assess a possible route of non-sexual transmission among HIV and non-HIV infected individuals and their relatives.

Methods: The study group comprised 210 individuals. Group 1: 35 HIV-infected patients; Group 2: 35 non-HIV individuals; Group 3: 2 non-sexual partners relatives for each patient from group 1 and Group 4: 2 non-sexual partners relatives for each individual from group 2. HHV-8-DNA amplification from ORF-26 was performed using a nested PCR protocol.

Results: Groups 1 and 2 were matched by age and gender. The mean age was 34 (ranging from 21 to 47 years of age); (42 out of 70 (60%) were females. HHV-8 DNA was detected in 18 individuals from groups 1 and 2. 14 out 35 (40%) from the HIV-infected (group 1) and 4 out 35 (11,4%) from non-HIV individuals (group 2) (OR= 5.16, CI [1,49- 17,88], p= 0.006). It was also possible to amplify HHV-8 DNA from 15 out of 140 relatives (10,7%); 11/70 (15,7%) relatives of HIV infected participants and 4/70 (5,71%) from non-HIV relatives (p= 0,041). Among the 11 HHV-8 infected relatives of group 1, 8 (72,4%) were relatives of HIV/HHV-8 co-infected individuals (OR= 8, CI [1,58- 40,29] p= 0,007).

Conclusions: Based upon the results of the present study HHV-8 DNA is frequently amplified in saliva. HIV infected individuals have more chances to also host HHV-8. Relatives of HIV/HHV-8 co-infected individuals are at greater risk of acquiring HHV-8 through non-sexual contact.