Prevalence and risk factors for human herpesvirus 8 infection in northern Cameroon

Background: The modes of transmission of HHV-8 are still unclear. Goal: To evaluate the distribution and transmission of HHV-8 infection. Design: Serosurvey conducted in a Cameroon hospital among 292 persons, including children (5-10 years), adolescents (15-20 years), and adults (30-40 years). Antibodies against lytic and latent antigens to HHV-8 were detected by immunofluorescence assay; antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus viral antigens were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Results: The prevalence of HHV-8 antilytic antibodies remained stable and was 39.8% among children, 51.5% among adolescents, and 61.8% among adults. Epstein-Barr virus seroprevalence was high among children, and remained stable among adolescents and adults. A history of sexually transmitted diseases was an independent determinant of HHV-8 infection (adjusted odds ratio 2.47; 95% CI 1.09-4.91). Conclusion: The high prevalence of HHV-8 infection among children indicates nonsexual modes of transmission in Cameroon, with sexual transmission occurring among adolescents and adults.