Epidemiology and Transmission of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

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.

Prevalence of Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Romanian Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a Prospective Multicenter Study

“…Blood transfusions may increase the risk for arterial and venous thromboembolic events [21], a risk that is already higher than in the general population because of the chronic inflammatory process and the activated cytokines. Transfusions can also lead to immunomodulation and infections [22][23][24]. All these possible adverse events make blood transfusions the last resort, namely for severe anemia and for the acute forms with hemodynamic instability.…”

Human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms and Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection outcomes: A call for deeper exploration

“…Developing animal models may be of great use to study the complete picture of KSHV infection and pathogenesis efficiently. This would allow examination of the entire process, from the natural route of viral infection, a long‐term sustainable infection involving both latent and lytic viral gene expressions and the generation of a human HLA restricted antigen‐specific humoral and cellular responses …”

Social behavioral correlates of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China

“…Epidemiological surveys indicate that KSHV is not a widespread virus and that global KSHV seroprevalence is geographically diversified . In the Mediterranean region where there is a high incidence of classical KS, the prevalence of KSHV is 10% to 25% in the general population . In Sub‐Saharan Africa where there is a high incidence of African endemic KS, the seroprevalence of KSHV in the general population ranges from 30% to 80% .…”

“…In Sub‐Saharan Africa where there is a high incidence of African endemic KS, the seroprevalence of KSHV in the general population ranges from 30% to 80% . In North American, Europe, and most Asia regions where there is traditionally a low incidence of KS, the seroprevalence of KSHV is relatively low in the general population …”