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Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) gained public attention as an AIDS-defining malignancy; its appearance on the skin was a highly stigmatizing sign of HIV infection during the height of the AIDS epidemic. The widespread introduction of effective antiretrovirals to control HIV by restoring immunocompetence reduced the prevalence of AIDS-related KS, although KS does occur in individuals with well-controlled HIV infection. KS also presents in individuals without HIV infection in older men (classic KS), in sub-Saharan Africa (endemic KS) and in transplant recipients (iatrogenic KS). The aetiologic agent of KS is KS herpesvirus (KSHV; also known as human herpesvirus-8), and viral proteins can induce KS-associated cellular changes that enable the virus to evade the host immune system and allow the infected cell to survive and proliferate despite viral infection. Currently, most cases of KS occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where KSHV infection is prevalent owing to transmission by saliva in childhood compounded by the ongoing AIDS epidemic. Treatment for early AIDS-related KS in previously untreated patients should start with the control of HIV with antiretrovirals, which frequently results in KS regression. In advanced-stage KS, chemotherapy with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or paclitaxel is the most common treatment, although it is seldom curative. In sub-Saharan Africa, KS continues to have a poor prognosis. Newer treatments for KS based on the mechanisms of its pathogenesis are being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Cesarman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Blossom Damania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Bower
- National Centre for HIV Malignancy, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Denise Whitby
- Leidos Biomedical Research, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
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Etta EM, Alayande DP, Mavhandu-Ramarumo LG, Gachara G, Bessong PO. HHV-8 Seroprevalence and Genotype Distribution in Africa, 1998⁻2017: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2018; 10:E458. [PMID: 30150604 PMCID: PMC6164965 DOI: 10.3390/v10090458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). We systematically reviewed literature published between 1998 and 2017, according to the PRISMA guidelines, to understand the distribution of HHV-8 infection in Africa. More than two-thirds (64%) of studies reported on seroprevalence and 29.3% on genotypes; 9.5% were on both seroprevalence and genotypes. About 45% of African countries had data on HHV-8 seroprevalence exclusively, and more than half (53%) had data on either seroprevalence or genotypes. Almost half (47%) of the countries had no data on HHV-8 infection. There was high heterogeneity in the types of tests and interpretation algorithms used in determining HHV-8 seropositivity across the different studies. Generally, seroprevalence ranged from 2.0% in a group of young children in Eritrea to 100% in a small group of individuals with KS in Central African Republic, and in a larger group of individuals with KS in Morocco. Approximately 16% of studies reported on children. Difference in seroprevalence across the African regions was not significant (95% CI, χ² = 0.86; p = 0.35), although specifically a relatively significant level of infection was observed in HIV-infected children. About 38% of the countries had data on K1 genotypes. K1 genotypes A, A5, B, C, F and Z occurred at frequencies of 5.3%, 26.3%, 42.1%, 18.4%, 5.3% and 2.6%, respectively. Twenty-three percent of the countries had data for K15 genotypes, and genotypes P, M and N occurred at frequencies of 52.2%, 39.1%, and 8.7%, respectively. Data on HHV-8 inter-genotype recombinants in Africa are scanty. HHV-8 may be endemic in the entire Africa continent but there is need for a harmonized testing protocol for a better understanding of HHV-8 seropositivity. K1 genotypes A5 and B, and K15 genotypes P and M, from Africa, should be considered in vaccine design efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Etta
- HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| | - Doyinmola P Alayande
- HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| | | | - George Gachara
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 34556-00100, Kenya.
| | - Pascal O Bessong
- HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
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El-Mallawany NK, Kamiyango W, Slone JS, Villiera J, Kovarik CL, Cox CM, Dittmer DP, Ahmed S, Schutze GE, Scheurer ME, Kazembe PN, Mehta PS. Clinical Factors Associated with Long-Term Complete Remission versus Poor Response to Chemotherapy in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents with Kaposi Sarcoma Receiving Bleomycin and Vincristine: A Retrospective Observational Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153335. [PMID: 27082863 PMCID: PMC4833299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common HIV-associated malignancy in children and adolescents in Africa. Pediatric KS is distinct from adult disease. We evaluated the clinical characteristics associated with long-term outcomes. We performed a retrospective observational analysis of 70 HIV-infected children and adolescents with KS less than 18 years of age diagnosed between 8/2010 and 6/2013 in Lilongwe, Malawi. Local first-line treatment included bleomycin and vincristine plus nevirapine-based highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Median age was 8.6 years (range 1.7–17.9); there were 35 females (50%). Most common sites of presentation were: lymph node (74%), skin (59%), subcutaneous nodules (33%), oral (27%), woody edema (24%), and visceral (16%). Eighteen (26%) presented with lymphadenopathy only. Severe CD4 suppression occurred in 28%. At time of KS diagnosis, 49% were already on HAART. Overall, 28% presented with a platelet count < 100 x 109/L and 37% with hemoglobin < 8 g/dL. The 2-year event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 46% and 58% respectively (median follow-up 29 months, range 15–50). Multivariable analysis of risk of death and failure to achieve EFS demonstrated that visceral disease (odds ratios [OR] 19.08 and 11.61, 95% CI 2.22–163.90 and 1.60–83.95 respectively) and presenting with more than 20 skin/oral lesions (OR 9.57 and 22.90, 95% CI 1.01–90.99 and 1.00–524.13 respectively) were independent risk factors for both. Woody edema was associated with failure to achieve EFS (OR 7.80, 95% CI 1.84–33.08) but not death. Univariable analysis revealed that lymph node involvement was favorable for EFS (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08–0.99), while T1 TIS staging criteria, presence of cytopenias, and severe immune suppression were not associated with increased mortality. Long-term complete remission is achievable in pediatric KS, however outcomes vary according to clinical presentation. Based on clinical heterogeneity, treatment according to risk-stratification is necessary to improve overall outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Kim El-Mallawany
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - William Kamiyango
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jeremy S. Slone
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jimmy Villiera
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Carrie L. Kovarik
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Carrie M. Cox
- Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Dirk P. Dittmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gordon E. Schutze
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter N. Kazembe
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Parth S. Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Minhas V, Wood C. Epidemiology and transmission of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Viruses 2014; 6:4178-94. [PMID: 25375883 PMCID: PMC4246215 DOI: 10.3390/v6114178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the current knowledge pertaining to Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) epidemiology and transmission. Since the identification of KSHV twenty years ago, it is now known to be associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease. Many studies have been conducted to understand its epidemiology and pathogenesis and their results clearly show that the worldwide distribution of KSHV is uneven. Some geographical areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean region and the Xinjiang region of China, are endemic areas, but Western Europe and United States have a low prevalence in the general population. This makes it imperative to understand the risk factors associated with acquisition of infection. KSHV can be transmitted via sexual contact and non-sexual routes, such as transfusion of contaminated blood and tissues transplants, or via saliva contact. There is now a general consensus that salivary transmission is the main route of transmission, especially in children residing in endemic areas. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the sources of transmission to young children. Additionally, lack of animal models to study transmission, gold standard serological assay and the lack of emphasis on endemic KS research has hampered the efforts to further delineate KSHV transmission in order to design effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veenu Minhas
- Nebraska Center for Virology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Morrison Center, 4240 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.
| | - Charles Wood
- Nebraska Center for Virology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Morrison Center, 4240 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.
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Cox CM, El-Mallawany NK, Kabue M, Kovarik C, Schutze GE, Kazembe PN, Mehta PS. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of HIV-infected children diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma in Malawi and Botswana. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60:1274-80. [PMID: 23487320 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common HIV-associated malignancy in sub-Saharan Africa. The presentation and outcomes of pediatric KS are not well understood. PROCEDURE We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 81 HIV-infected children with KS at the Baylor Children's Clinical Centres of Excellence in Malawi and Botswana from March 2003 to October 2009. RESULTS Eighty-one children with KS were identified whose median age was 8.0 (inter-quartile range 5.1-11.3) years. KS lesions were presented primarily on the skin (83%), lymph nodes (52%), and oral mucosa (41%). Occasionally disease was limited to the lymph nodes only (10%). Severe immunosuppression (70%), anemia (29%), and thrombocytopenia (17%) were common laboratory findings. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was administered to 94% of children, including 77% who received HAART plus chemotherapy. KS immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) occurred in 22%. Disease status 12 months after KS diagnosis was determined for 69 children: 43% were alive and 57% had died. Severe immunosuppression was independently associated with mortality in multivariate analysis (OR = 4.3; 95% CI 1.3-14.6; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION KS occurs in a significant number of HIV infected children in sub-Saharan Africa. Pediatric KS is distinct from KS in adults. Lymph node involvement was a common manifestation of KS in children, and severe immunosuppression was associated with the highest mortality risk. Though overall mortality was high in children with KS, patients did achieve clinical remission in settings with limited diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M Cox
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030-2399, USA.
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Caterino-de-Araujo A, Manuel RCR, Del Bianco R, Santos-Fortuna E, Magri MC, Silva JMK, Bastos R. Seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection in individuals from health care centers in Mozambique: potential for endemic and epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. J Med Virol 2010; 82:1216-23. [PMID: 20513087 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection is common in sub-Saharan Africa, but its prevalence in Mozambique is unknown. The seroprevalence of HHV-8 in a cohort of individuals seen at public health centers in Northern (n = 208), Central (n = 226), or Southern (n = 318) Mozambique was examined. All individuals were interviewed to obtain socioeconomic, demographic and clinical data and were tested for serum anti-HHV-8 antibodies using an immunofluorescence assay. The overall frequency of HHV-8 antibodies was 21.4% and, in spite of the diversity of epidemiological characteristics of the tested individuals, did not differ significantly among regions: 18.7%, 24.3% and 21.4% in the North, Center, and South, respectively (chi(2), 2.37; P = 0.305). The variables that were associated significantly with the presence of HHV-8 antibodies were gender, age, level of education, number of siblings and HIV serostatus, but these differed across the regions. In the North, although tested individuals lived under poor socioeconomic conditions, no association between HHV-8 infection and household variables was detected, with the exception of the number of siblings (P = 0.042). In the Central region, HHV-8 infection was associated with gender (P = 0.010), the number of household members (P = 0.031), and the place of attendance (P = 0.021). In the South, HHV-8 infection was associated with the number of siblings (P = 0.023) and HIV status (P = 0.002). The overall prevalence of HHV-8 seropositivity increased with age. These results demonstrate that Mozambique is another country in Africa with endemic HHV-8 infection, and, because of the AIDS epidemic, continued access to antiretroviral treatment is necessary to avert an outbreak of AIDS-Kaposi's sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Caterino-de-Araujo
- Immunology Department, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Secretary of Health of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade vascular neoplasm mediated by the human herpesvirus-8. Only 1 clinical subtype, the endemic/African subtype, commonly affects the pediatric population. Although adults with KS often present with cutaneous findings and generalized lymphadenopathy, African children are more likely to present without classic skin findings. Definitive diagnosis requires histologic examination from tissue biopsy; however, as pathology resources are scarce in many developing African countries where KS is prominent, appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the condition are challenging. We report the case of a Malawian child who presented with generalized lymphadenopathy and was presumptively treated for lymphoma, with clinical worsening of his lesions. A diagnosis of KS was made after excisional biopsy of a superficial lymph node, with the initiation of appropriate therapy. The literature regarding pediatric KS is reviewed and recommendations are offered to allow accurate and timely diagnosis of the condition.
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Kasolo FC, Spinks J, Bima H, Bates M, Gompels UA. Diverse genotypes of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) identified in infant blood infections in African childhood-KS and HIV/AIDS endemic region. J Med Virol 2007; 79:1555-61. [PMID: 17705172 PMCID: PMC2683451 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV-8) has been associated with several neoplasias, including childhood endemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). It is possible that strain genotypes could contribute to the differences in regional presentation (mainly sub-Saharan Africa), childhood infection, lack of male sex bias, distinct disseminated forms and rapid fatality observed for childhood endemic KS. Early studies, at the advent of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, identified only the K1-A5 genotype in childhood KS biopsies as well as blood of a few HIV positive and negative febrile infants in Zambia, a highly endemic region. This current enlarged study analyses blood infections of 200 hospitalized infants (6-34 months age) with symptoms of fever as well as upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea, rash or rhinitis. KSHV and HIV viraemia and were prevalent in this group, 22% and 39%, respectively. Multiple markers at both variable ends of the genome (K1, K12, and K14.1/K15) were examined, showing diverse previously adult-linked genotypes (K1 A2, A5, B, C3, D, with K12 B1 and B2 plus K14.1/K15 P or M) detected in both HIV positive and negative infants, demonstrating little restriction on KSHV genotypes for infant/childhood transmission in a childhood endemic KS endemic region. This supports the interpretation that the acquisition of childhood KSHV infections and subsequent development of KS are due to additional co-factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- FC Kasolo
- Virology Department, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia Medical SchoolLusaka, Zambia
| | - J Spinks
- Pathogen Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., University of LondonLondon WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - H Bima
- Virology Department, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia Medical SchoolLusaka, Zambia
| | - M Bates
- Pathogen Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., University of LondonLondon WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - UA Gompels
- Pathogen Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., University of LondonLondon WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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Malope BI, Pfeiffer RM, Mbisa G, Stein L, Ratshikhopha EM, O'Connell DL, Sitas F, MacPhail P, Whitby D. Transmission of Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Between Mothers and Children in a South African Population. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2007; 44:351-5. [PMID: 17195763 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31802f12ea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess whether Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) with or without HIV coinfection in South African mothers is associated with higher KSHV seropositivity in their children. METHODS We tested sera from 1287 South African children and 1179 mothers using assays for KSHV lytic K8.1 and latent ORF73 antigens. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess associations between KSHV serostatus and risk factors. RESULTS KSHV seroprevalence was 15.9% (204 of 1287 subjects) in children and 29.7% (350 of 1179 subjects) in mothers. The risk of KSHV seropositivity was significantly higher in children of KSHV-seropositive mothers compared with those of KSHV-seronegative mothers. The HIV status of mothers was marginally associated with an increased risk of KSHV seropositivity in their children (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.6; P = 0.07). KSHV seroprevalence was significantly higher in HIV-infected subjects (P = 0.0005), and HIV-infected subjects had significantly higher lytic and latent KSHV antibody levels than HIV-negative subjects. CONCLUSIONS The risk of acquisition of KSHV was higher among children of KSHV-seropositive mothers. Although KSHV seroprevalence was significantly higher in children and mothers who were infected with HIV, the HIV status of the mother was only marginally associated with an increased risk of KSHV seropositivity in the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatyi I Malope
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Group, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Cohen A, Wolf DG, Guttman-Yassky E, Sarid R. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus: clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiological aspects. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2005; 42:101-53. [PMID: 15941082 DOI: 10.1080/10408360590913524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHI) is one of the few viruses proven to be associated with tumorigenesis in humans. Its causal association with all clinical and epidemiological variants of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is well established. KSHV is also involved in the pathogenesis of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and a subset of multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). Possible associations of KSHV with other clinical settings have been extensively examined. The findings from several of these studies are contradictory and are yet to be resolved. Concentrated effort over the last decade, since the initial discovery of KSHV, led to the development of several experimental systems that resulted in a better comprehension of the biological characteristics of KSHV and set the stage for the understanding of mechainisms by which diseases are induced by the virus. The development of molecular, histological, and serological tools for KSHV diagnosis allowed researchers to track the transmission and to study the epidemiology of KSHV. These assays have been applied, in particular in ambiguous cases, in order to confirm clinically and pathologically based diagnoses. Here, we review the advances in the clinical, experimental, diagnostic, and epidemiological research of KSHV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Cohen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan Universiy, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Sibanda EN, Stanczuk G, Kasolo F. HIV/AIDS in Central Africa: pathogenesis, immunological and medical issues. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2004; 132:183-95. [PMID: 14646379 DOI: 10.1159/000074299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The estimated worldwide prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections topped 52.5 million in June 2003, a mere 20 years after the aetiological agent was shown to be a sexually transmissible virus with a predilection for CD4+ T lymphocytes. More than 22 million people have died of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the condition has in one generation become the most devastating and persistent epidemics in recorded history. More than two thirds of the world total of HIV-infected people live in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Central and Southern Africa at least 20% of the adult population is infected. As these adults die, they leave increasing numbers of orphans. Life expectancy at birth declined by 10 years per decade since the late 1980s to 50 years in the late 1990s, and in Botswana it is estimated to be as low as 33 years by 2010. The epidemic is increasing unabated and prospects for a curative or protective vaccine remain remote. The impact on HIV in Africa has been so profound that it influences political, economic, agriculture/food security, social, education, defence, science and health considerations. The medical and in particular immunology communities in Central Africa have the invidious challenge of on the one hand diagnosing the condition, monitoring its impact and contributing to treatment and management efforts. The science and clinical practice of immunology is challenged to find answers to the epidemic, perhaps including a vaccine. In this review we address the peculiarities of the HIV epidemic in Africa, its epidemiology and immunopathogenesis. We address the effect of the epidemic on individual patients, in their homes, workplaces and the knock-on effects on families and friends of the infected. Respective specialists discuss special groups (women, children) that are predominantly seen in Africa. We also discuss the impact of the epidemic on the clinical practice of medicine in general and challenges faced in the introduction of antiretroviral medicines. We also discuss options available for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of HIV-infected patients in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elopy Nimele Sibanda
- Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe College of Medicine, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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Klaskala W, Brayfield BP, Kankasa C, Bhat G, West JT, Mitchell CD, Wood C. Epidemiological characteristics of human herpesvirus-8 infection in a large population of antenatal women in Zambia. J Med Virol 2004; 75:93-100. [PMID: 15543582 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive data describing epidemiological characteristics of the human herpesvirus-8 or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8 or KSHV) infection among pregnant women in a central sub-Saharan Africa are not available. This study determined virus prevalence estimates and the risk factors associated with HHV-8 infection. Cross-sectional, enrollment visit data were analyzed from a prospective cohort study of perinatal transmission of HHV-8 in Lusaka, Zambia. Exposure data were obtained via structured interview, physical examination, medical chart review, and laboratory testing. Among 3,160 antenatal women serologically screened for HHV-8 between September 1998 and October 2000, 40.2% were seropositive. The HHV-8 positive women were more likely to be co-infected with HIV-1 than those who were HHV-8 negative (34% vs. 26%; P < 0.0001). Of 154 variables evaluated by logistic regression analyses, only three risk factors, have emerged as independent predictors of HHV-8 positive serology: diagnosis of genital warts, HIV-1 co-infection and primary education. The association of HHV-8 infection with genital warts and HIV-1 co-infection suggests heterosexual transmission of HHV-8. HIV-1 infection may also act as a marker for particular behaviors, which could be sexual in nature, that are associated with both HIV-1 and HHV-8 transmission. Since HHV-8 facilitates development of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the results of this study could be utilized to identify specific population groups of pregnant women who are at increased risk for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Klaskala
- Nebraska Center for Virology and the School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, 1901 Vine Street, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
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