AEGiS-13IAC: Prevalence and patterns of antibody response to human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) in mother-babypairs in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa.

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

Prevalence and patterns of antibody response to human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) in mother-babypairs in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. WeOrA471)

Vaithilingum M, Schulz T, Coovadia HM, Moodley D, Naidoo K, Sheldon J, Thejpal R
M. Vaithilingum, Natalmedical School, 719Umbilo Road, Congella 4013, South Africa, Tel.: +27 31 260 4345, Fax: +27 31 260 4388, E-mail: vaithil@med.und.ac.za

BACKGROUND: HHV8 prevalence demonstrates geographical variation. There is a paucity of data regarding transmission dynamics of this novel gamma virus. The aim of this study is to assess transmission dynamics and prevalence in KZN.

METHODS: A hundred HIV+ve mothers and their babies were analysed for HHV8 antibodies(Ab). Babies had sequential samples tested at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months in order to assess transmission dynamics. A battery of 3 tests were performed, 2 ELISA test (ORF 65; K8.1) and an IFA IgG (LANA) with confirmatory Western Blot.

RESULTS: The overall maternal prevalence was 19%.The only other seroprevalence study done in KZN, had a seroprevalence of 38% for the age group (14-44yr). The prevalence in this study was statistically different 'ORF p = 0.0095-95% CI (12.1-28.3). There was significant relationship between a mother's HHV8 +ve test and baby's. (OR 6.68; p value >0.002-95% CI (2.06-22.0). 3 patterns of HHV8 Ab positivity (+ve) in the baby were observed: i)Ab+ve at 3 months (mths) and not detectable by 3 -9 mths(31,5% of babies) - implying loss of maternal Ab. ii)initially Ab negative(-ve), then +ve by 9mths, with subsequently undetectable levels(36.8% of babies) - probably representing acute infection. iii)initially Ab -ve then Ab +ve at 9mths with sustained response - probable acute infection in baby. There was no association between HIV infection in the babies and the presence of HHV8 antibodies.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals important seroprevalence rates for a urban setting in South Africa, and is significantly different from previous studies. This might be due to geographical variations of the virus. In addition, important patterns of HHV8Ab response in babies were observed.

Keywords: AEGIS, Herpesvirus 8, Human, Prevalence, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Mothers, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Antibody Formation, South Africa, Infant, Human, epidemiology, transmission, immunology
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