Phylogenomic assessment of 23 equid alphaherpesvirus 1 isolates obtained from USA-based equids.

BACKGROUND: Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a global viral pathogen of domestic equids which causes reproductive, respiratory and neurological disease. Few isolates acquired from naturally infected USA-based hosts have been fully sequenced and analyzed to date. An ORF 30 (DNA polymerase) variant (A2254G) has previously been associated with neurological disease in host animals. The purpose of this study was to perform phylogenomic analysis of EHV-1 isolates acquired from USA-based hosts and compare these isolates to previously sequenced global isolates. METHODS: EHV-1 was isolated from 23 naturally infected USA-based equids (6 different states, 15 disease outbreaks) with reproductive (22/23) or neurological disease (1/23). Following virus isolation, EHV-1 DNA was extracted for sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Following reference-based assembly, whole viral genomes were annotated and assessed. Previously sequenced EHV-1 isolates (n = 114) obtained from global host equids were included in phylogenomic analyses. RESULTS: The overall average genomic distance was 0.0828% (SE 0.004%) for the 23 newly sequenced USA isolates and 0.0705% (SE 0.003%) when all 137 isolates were included. Clade structure was predominantly based on geographic origin. Numerous nucleotide substitutions (mean [range], 179 [114-297] synonymous and 81 [38-120] non-synonymous substitutions per isolate) were identified throughout the genome of the newly sequenced USA isolates. The previously described ORF 30 A2254G substitution (associated with neurological disease) was found in only one isolate obtained from a host with non-neurological clinical signs (reproductive disease), six additional, unique, non-synonymous ORF 30 substitutions were detected in 22/23 USA isolates. Evidence of recombination was present in most (22/23) of the newly sequenced USA isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the genomes of the 23 newly sequenced EHV-1 isolates obtained from USA-based hosts were broadly similar to global isolates. The previously described ORF 30 A2254G neurological substitution was infrequently detected in the newly sequenced USA isolates, most of which were obtained from host animals with reproductive disease. Recombination was likely to be partially responsible for genomic diversity in the newly sequenced USA isolates.

Quantitative risk assessment of introduction of BVDV and BoHV-1 through indirect contacts based on implemented biosecurity measures in dairy farms of Spain.

A stochastic quantitative risk assessment model was developed to estimate the annual probability of introduction of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) on 127 dairy farms through indirect contacts. Vehicles transporting calves, cattle to slaughterhouse, dead animals, and mixture of feed, as well as visits by veterinarians and hoof trimmers, farm workers and contacts with neighbors were considered in the model. Data from biosecurity questionnaires of each farm, scientific literature and expert opinion from field veterinarians, animal vehicle drivers, hoof trimmers and personnel from rendering transport companies were used to estimate values for input parameters. Results showed that the annual probability of introducing BVDV or BoHV-1 through indirect contacts was very heterogeneous. The overall distribution of median values for each farm ranged from 0.5 to 14.6% and from 1.0 to 24.9% for BVDV and BoHV-1, respectively. The model identified that providing protective clothing and boots to visits, not allowing the animal vehicle driver to come into contact with animals present on the farm and ensuring that calf vehicles arrived empty, were the measures with the highest impact on the probability of infection for most farms. This model could be a useful tool to show the impact of the measures to farmers and veterinarians, thus increasing their awareness on biosecurity. In addition, it could support decision making on which measures should be prioritized in dairy cattle herds to reduce the probability of introduction of diseases.

Increased incidence of systemic serious viral infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease associates with active disease and use of thiopurines.

Background: The magnitude and drivers of the risk of serious viral infections in Inflammatory Bowel diseases (IBD) are unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors for systemic serious viral infections in IBD patients. Methods: Using MICISTA, a database detailing prospective characteristics and complications of IBD, we identified patients that were followed for IBD in 2005-2014 outside the context of organ transplantation, HIV infection or chronic viral hepatitis. We estimated incidences of systemic serious viral infections, defined by the need for hospitalization or permanent organ damage. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using the French hospital database. We performed a case-control study nested in MICISTA for assessing the role of exposure to IBD drugs and IBD clinical activity in the risk of developing infection. Results: We identified 31 patients with serious viral infections among 2645 patients followed for 15,383 person-years. We observed 13 cases of cytomegalovirus, 10 Epstein-Barr virus, 5 varicella zoster virus and 3 herpes simplex virus infections. No deaths occurred. The incidence rate of infections in patients with IBD was 2.02/1000 person-years, and the SIR was 3.09 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.98-4.20; p = 0.0002) in the study population. By multivariate analysis, increased risk of infection was associated with exposure to thiopurines (odds ratio (OR), 3.48; 95% CI, 1.36-8.90; p = 0.009), and clinically active IBD at onset of infection (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.23-9.23; p = 0.02). Conclusions: The incidence of systemic serious viral infections in patients with IBD is tripled compared to general population. Clinically active IBD and exposure to thiopurines are the main drivers of the risk.

An assessment of bovine herpes virus 4 as a causative agent in abortions and neonatal death.

Numerous viruses, including bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpes virus 4 (BoHV-4), and other pathogens are the most common causes of reproductive disorders and are responsible for huge economic losses in livestock production. This study investigates the aetiological role of BoHV-4 in fertility problems such as abortions, stillbirth and birth with unviable calves. Retrospective samples from 38 animals, including 17 aborting cows, 17 aborted foetuses, three stillborn calves and one unviable newborn calf were analysed. The BoHV-4 genome was detected in 25 (65.7%) animals by polymerase chain reaction. In 14 of these infected animals, we detected co-infection with BVDV, while the co-presence of BoHV-1 was also detected in one animal. In addition to the high prevalence of BoHV-4 genome in materials related to fertility problems, isolation of BoHV-4 from the brain of one stillborn calf indicated a causal link between BoHV-4 and fertility problems, such as abortion, stillbirths or birth with unviable calves.

Seroprevalence and risk factors assessment of the three main infectious agents associated with abortion in dairy cattle in Isfahan province, Iran.

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Neospora caninum, Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection on industrial Holstein dairy cattle farms in Isfahan province, Central Iran. Blood samples were taken from 216 apparently healthy cattle from 16 randomly selected Holstein dairy farms in the North, South, East, and West of Isfahan in the summer of 2017. The antibodies to N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV were detected using a commercially available ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence for N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV was 19%, 72.2%, and 52.8%, respectively. The significant major risk factors of BHV-1 in cattle were identified as farm direction, age groups, parity, and milk yield by the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The significant major risk factors of BVDV in cattle were identified as age groups, parity, milk yield, and stage of pregnancy (p < 0.05). The only significant major risk factor of N. caninum was farm direction (p < 0.05). A significant association of concurrent infection with BVDV and BHV-1 has shown in the current study (p < 0.05). This study is the first to report the risk factors for N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV infection in the central part of Iran and allows us to conclude that these agents are widely distributed in this region.

Herpesvirus Infections and Risk of Parkinson's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Herpesviruses might play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. We sought to examine a possible association between alpha herpesvirus infections and Parkinson's disease. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study of incident Parkinson's disease in 2009 Medicare beneficiaries age 66-90 years (89,790 cases, 118,095 randomly selected comparable controls). We classified beneficiaries with any diagnosis code for "herpes simplex" and/or "herpes zoster" in the previous 5 years as having had the respective alpha herpesviruses. In beneficiaries with Part D prescription coverage, we also identified those prescribed anti-herpetic medications. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI between alpha herpesvirus diagnosis/treatment and Parkinson's disease with logistic regression, with adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, and use of medical care. RESULTS: Parkinson's disease risk was inversely associated with herpes simplex (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.74-0.84), herpes zoster (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.91), and anti-herpetic medications (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.96). CONCLUSION: Herpesvirus infection or treatment might reduce risk of Parkinson's disease, but future studies will be required to explore whether this inverse association is causal.

Epidemiological performance and subsequent costs of different surveillance strategies to control bovine herpesvirus type 1 in dairy farms.

This study aimed at comparing the surveillance program of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV1) as laid down by EU Decision 2004/558/EC and 2007/584/EC ('conventional design') with an alternative design. The alternative design was based on monthly bulk-milk testing, clinical surveillance and a risk-based component that involves testing of animals that are purchased from non-free cattle herds. Scenario-tree analyses were carried out to determine sensitivities of the surveillance system (and its components) and the monthly confidence of freedom on herd-level. Also, the expected costs per surveillance design and components thereof were calculated. Results showed that the conventional (EU) and alternative surveillance designs to obtain a BHV1-free status performed equally well in terms of sensitivity. However, total costs per cattle herd to obtain a free status were highest in the conventional design. In an endemic situation and with a within-herd design prevalence of 10%, the conventional design led to a varying probability of freedom ranging from 99.6% to 100% per month. With the alternative design, in this situation, a constant probability of freedom of >99.9% per month was found. In a disease-free situation, both designs performed equally well (probability of freedom >99.9% per month). The yearly costs per farm for monitoring the disease-free status decreased by approximately 25% in the alternative design. The alternative strategy based on monthly bulk-milk monitoring therefore was deemed most cost-effective. This study showed that the surveillance regime to attain and maintain a BHV1-free status as described by EU-legislation can be improved to reduce the monitoring costs without reduction of the system's sensitivity, given a within-herd design prevalence of 10%. The assessment of various surveillance designs could be highly useful to support decision-making towards a more risk-based approach of animal health surveillance.

Herpesvirus Respiratory Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes.

Among immunocompromised individuals, members of the human Herpesviridae family are frequently encountered pathogens. Cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus-6, -7, and -8 all establish latency after infection and can reactivate during periods of immunosuppression, leading to both direct and indirect adverse effects on the host including severe organ dysfunction as well as allograft rejection and loss after transplantation. While not all herpesviruses are primary respiratory pathogens, many of their manifestations include involvement of the respiratory tract. This article discusses the individual viruses, their epidemiology, and clinical manifestations as well as recommended treatment and preventive strategies.

Prevalence of Circulating Antibodies to Bovine Herpesvirus 1 in Yaks (Bos grunniens) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China.

Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) causes infections with many clinical signs, including rhinotracheitis, encephalitis, and genital lesions. The virus occurs worldwide in bovines, and in recent years, it has been reported in yaks (Bos grunniens) inhabiting the Tibetan Plateau in China. However, there is little epidemiologic data describing BoHV-1 infections in China's yak herds. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) in China July 2011-July 2012 to estimate the prevalence of BoHV-1 antibody in yak herds. We collected 1,840 serum samples from yaks on the QTP, in Tibet (988 yaks), Qinghai (475 yaks), and Sichuan (377 yaks) Provinces. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we found that 381 (38.6%) of the Tibetan samples, 212 (44.6%) of the Qinghai samples, and 105 (27.9%) of the Sichuan samples had detectable antibodies to BoHV-1. Given that this high prevalence of infection in yaks could result in heavy economic losses, we suggest that an effective management program, including vaccination and strategies for infection control, be developed.

Population-based assessment of kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus DNA in plasma among Ugandans.

Risk of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is linked to detection of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA in plasma, but little is known about the prevalence and risk factors for plasma KSHV DNA detection among the general population where KS is endemic. Correlates of KSHV plasma detection were investigated in a population-based sample of adult Ugandans (15-59 years) who participated in an HIV/AIDS serobehavioral survey in 2004/2005. KSHV DNA was measured in plasma of 1,080 KSHV seropositive and 356 KSHV seronegative persons using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). KSHV DNA in plasma was detected in 157 (8.7%) persons; of these 149 (95%) were KSHV seropositive and 8 (5%) were seronegative. Detection of KSHV DNA in plasma was significantly associated with male sex (P < 0.001), older age (P = 0.003), residence in a rural versus urban area (P = 0.002), geographic region (P = 0.02), and being KSHV seropositive (13.8% seropositive vs. 2.3% seronegative, P < 0.001). In a multivariable model, KSHV DNA plasma quantity was significantly higher in men (P = 0.002), inversely associated with age (P = 0.05), and residing in an urban area (P = 0.01). In Uganda, KSHV is detected more frequently in the plasma of adult males and residents of rural regions, potentially explaining the increased risk of KS in these subsets of the Ugandan population.

Implementing a probabilistic definition of freedom from infection to facilitate trade of livestock: putting theory into praxis for the example of bovine herpes virus-1.

International trade of livestock and livestock products poses a significant potential threat for spread of diseases, and importing countries therefore often require that imported animals and products are free from certain pathogens. However, absolute freedom from infection cannot be documented, since all test protocols are imperfect and can lead to false-negative results. It is possible instead to estimate the "probability of freedom from infection" and its opposite, the probability of infection despite having a negative test result. These probabilities can be estimated based on a pre-defined target prevalence, known surveillance efforts in the target population and known test characteristics of any pre-export test. Here, calculations are demonstrated using the example of bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1). In a population that recently became free of BoHV-1 without using vaccination, the probability of being infected of an animal randomly selected for trade is 800 per 1 million and this probability is reduced to 64 (95% probability interval PI 6-161) per 1 million when this animal is tested negatively prior to export with a gB-ELISA. In a population that recently became free of BoHV-1 using vaccination, the probability of being infected of an animal randomly selected for trade is 200 per 1 million, and this probability can be reduced to 63 (95% PI 42-87) when this animal is tested negatively prior to export with a gE-ELISA. Similar estimations can be made on a herd level when assumptions are made about the herd size and the intensity of the surveillance efforts. Subsequently, the overall probability for an importing country of importing at least 1 infected animal can be assessed by taking into account the trade volume. Definition of the acceptable level of risk, including the probability of false-negative results to occur, is part of risk management. Internationally harmonized target prevalence levels for the declaration of freedom from infection from selected pathogens provide a significant contribution to the facilitation of international trade of livestock and livestock products by allowing exporting countries to design tailor-made output-based surveillance programs, while providing equivalent guarantees regarding the probability of freedom from infection of the population. Combining this with an approach to assess the overall probability of introducing at least 1 infected animal into an importing country during a defined time interval will help importing countries to achieve their desired level of acceptable risk and will help to assess the equivalence of animal health and food safety standards between trading partners.

Monitoring the health and production of household Jinding ducks on Hatia Island of Bangladesh.

Duck rearing is an important component of sustainable living in poor rural communities, especially as a source of subsistence. A study was conducted on 118 households (N = 1,373 Jinding ducks, Anas platyrhynchus) from December 2002 to February 2004 on Hatia Island in Bangladesh with the aim of identifying the factors that limit the health and production of Jinding ducks. Overall duck mortality was 29.3%, with disease (19.7%) being a more significant factor than predation (9.6%; p = 0.001). Duck mortality also varied significantly among study zones (p < 0.001). Common diseases were duck plague (21.1%) and duck cholera (32.1%). Helminth infection was prevalent, with endemic trematode (Prosthogonimus spp., Trichobilharzia spp., Echinostoma spp.) and nematode (Cyathostoma bronchialis, Amidostomum anseris, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria spp., and Echinuria spp.) infections and epidemic cestode infections due to Hymenolepsis setigera. The median egg production rate per duck per household was 93 for a 6-month laying period. The odds of diminished egg production (average ≤ 93 eggs per duck per household for a 6-month laying period) was 25.4 times higher in ducks that were kept in traditional duck houses (p < 0.001) and 14.2 times higher in ducks that experienced delays in the onset of sexual maturity (days 191 and 280; p < 0.001). Ducks that were provided snails for a shorter period of time over the laying period were 18.2 times more likely to produce fewer eggs than their longer fed peers (p = 0.002). In conclusion, duck mortalities due to diseases and predation and parasitic infections appear to be common constraints on household duck production on Hatia Island. Additionally, improving duck housing and providing longer nutritional supplementation with snails increased the production capabilities of household-raised Jinding ducks on Hatia Island.

Socio-economic and other correlates of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus seroprevalence among older adults in Sicily.

The virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma, KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus 8) has an unusual distribution and poorly characterized modes of transmission. To clarify these issues, socio-demographic correlates of KSHV seroprevalence were examined in a population-based study. In 1,154 randomly sampled adults (aged 32- 92, mean 71 years) throughout Sicily, KSHV antibodies were detected with four assays and a conservative algorithm. Seroprevalence was re-weighted to the population. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR, CI) from multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate associations of seroprevalence with interview data. KSHV seroprevalence was 8.5%, including 5.3% among men (N = 848) and 11.5% among women (N = 306, P = 0.22). Seroprevalence was higher with residence in a smaller community during childhood (P(trend) = 0.03) and working with plants/soil during adulthood (OR 2.9, CI 1.1-7.9); these were especially strong among women. Among men, seroprevalence was significantly associated with lower education (OR 2.6, CI 1.1-5.9) and migration to a larger community (OR 0.3, CI 0.1-0.9). Other demographic and household variables were unrelated to seroprevalence. From these data, KSHV in Sicily appears to be related to low socio-economic status, but micro-endemicity in small communities cannot be excluded.

An assessment of interactions between hepatitis C virus and herpesvirus reactivation in liver transplant recipients using molecular surveillance.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been proposed to have immunomodulatory effects in transplant recipients and may promote herpesvirus reactivation. To assess this, we compared the incidence of herpesvirus reactivation in HCV-positive and HCV-negative liver transplant recipients. Quantitative viral load testing was performed at regular intervals posttransplantation for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesviruses (HHV) 6, 7, and 8, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) in 177 liver transplant patients who were HCV-positive (n=60) or HCV-negative (n=117). The incidence of CMV disease, CMV viremia, and the peak CMV viral load was not significantly different in HCV-positive vs. HCV-negative patients. Similarly, no differences in HHV-6 or EBV reactivation were observed. HHV-8 or VZV viremia was not detected in any patient in the study. A lower incidence of HHV-7 infection occurred in HCV-positive patients vs. HCV-negative patients (47.6% vs. 72.7%; P=0.006). In conclusion, these results suggest that HCV infection does not appear to promote herpesvirus reactivation after liver transplantation.

A stochastic simulation model to determine the sample size of repeated national surveys to document freedom from bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection.

BACKGROUND: International trade regulations require that countries document their livestock's sanitary status in general and freedom from specific infective agents in detail provided that import restrictions should be applied. The latter is generally achieved by large national serological surveys and risk assessments. The paper describes the basic structure and application of a generic stochastic model for risk-based sample size calculation of consecutive national surveys to document freedom from contagious disease agents in livestock. METHODS: In the model, disease spread during the time period between two consecutive surveys was considered, either from undetected infections within the domestic population or from imported infected animals. The @Risk model consists of the domestic spread in-between two national surveys; the infection of domestic herds from animals imported from countries with a sanitary status comparable to Switzerland or lower sanitary status and the summary sheet which summed up the numbers of resulting infected herds of all infection pathways to derive the pre-survey prevalence in the domestic population. Thereof the pre-survey probability of freedom from infection and required survey sample sizes were calculated. A scenario for detection of infected herds by general surveillance was included optionally. RESULTS: The model highlights the importance of residual domestic infection spread and characteristics of different import pathways. The sensitivity analysis revealed that number of infected, but undetected domestic herds and the multiplicative between-survey-spread factor were most correlated with the pre-survey probability of freedom from infection and the resulting sample size, respectively. Compared to the deterministic pre-cursor model, the stochastic model was therefore more sensitive to the previous survey's results. Undetected spread of infection in the domestic population between two surveys gained more importance than infection through animals of either import pathway. CONCLUSION: The model estimated the pre-survey probability of freedom from infection accurately as was shown in the case of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR). With this model, a generic tool becomes available which can be adapted to changing conditions related to either importing or exporting countries.

Demographic indicators and risk of infection with human herpesvirus type 8 in Central Italy.

BACKGROUND: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Latium and Abruzzo Regions (Central Italy) to estimate the prevalence of infection with human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) and the association between demographic indicators and risk of HHV-8 infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sera from 416 healthy individuals (>or=45 years of age), originally recruited in a multicentric case-control study on classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), were tested for antibodies against HHV-8. The association between demographic indicators (i.e., urban/rural residence, occupation) and HHV-8 seropositivity was assessed by means of multiple logistic regression (MLR) odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age and occupation. RESULTS: Overall, 20.4% of the study participants had antibodies against HHV-8, 23.2% of the men and 17.0% of the women (p = 0.15). HHV-8 seropositivity rates significantly increased with age (p = 0.01), from 10.0% in those under 65 years of age to 24.9% in 75 years or older (MLROR = 2.4). By multivariate analysis, a significantly 2-fold higher risk of HHV-8 was found in individuals living in rural areas, as compared to those living in metropolitan/urban areas (MLR-OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5), and in farmers, as compared to white collars (MLR-OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-4.1). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that demographic factors such as age, urban/rural residence, and occupation are associated with HHV-8 seropositivity among adult individuals living in central Italy.

Pro and contra IBR-eradication.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) is the causative agent of respiratory and genital tract infections such as infectious rhinotracheitis (IBR), infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IPV, balanoposthitis (IBP), and abortion. Despite of a pronounced immune response, the virus is never eliminated from an infected host but establishes life-long latency and may be reactivated at intervals. Europe has a long history of fighting against BoHV-1 infections, yet, only a small number of countries has achieved IBR-eradication. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to review the reasoning pro and contra such a task. Clearly, the goal can indeed be achieved as has been demonstrated by a number of European countries. However, detection and stamping out of seemingly healthy virus carriers is inevitable in the process. Unfortunately, the use of vaccines is only of temporary and limited value. Therefore, there are numerous considerations to be put forward against such plans, including the high costs, the great risks, and the unsatisfactory quality of tools. If either control or eradication of IBR is nonetheless a goal, then better vaccines are needed as well as better companion tests. Moreover, better tools for the characterization of viral isolates are required. Collaborative actions to gather viral strains from as many countries as possible for inclusion into a newly created clustering library would be most advantageous.

Ultrasonographic assessment and ultrasound-guided biopsy of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

Endotheliotropic herpesvirus causes a fatal disease in young Asian elephants, but there are no methods for identifying latent carriers of the virus. During the postmortem study of one female African elephant and three male and two female Asian elephants, a lymph node located bilaterally caudoventral to the parotid gland, approximately 1.5 to 5 cm below the skin, was identified as suitable for transcutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy. An ultrasonographic assessment and two biopsies were performed on 39 Asian elephants, and these lymph nodes were classified ultrasonographically as active, inactive or chronically active. The calculated mean (se) volume of 10 active lymph nodes was 17.4 (6.9) cm(3), and that of three chronically active lymph nodes was 10.6 (1.0) cm(3), whereas the mean volume of 17 inactive lymph nodes was 3.1 (0.6) cm(3). The presence of lymph node tissue in samples obtained by ultrasound-guided biopsy from three animals that were maintained under conditions that allowed for additional sampling was confirmed histologically. The dna extracted from the lymphoid tissue and the whole blood of all the elephants was negative for endotheliotropic herpesvirus by PCR.

Correlates of Human Herpesvirus-8 DNA detection among adults in Italy without Kaposi sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The presence of Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV8) DNA is predictive of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) among patients with HIV-associated or iatrogenic immunosuppression. However, correlates of HHV8-DNA detection in the general population remain undefined. METHODS: We assessed correlates of HHV8-DNA detection among Italian adults without KS who had antibodies against HHV8-latent nuclear antigen by immunofluorescence assay. HHV8-K6 DNA sequences were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using TaqMan PCR. RESULTS: Of the 158 subjects 26 (16.5%) had detectable HHV8-DNA [median copies/million cells, 53; (13-2128)]. Adjusted for age, sex, and laboratory, HHV8-DNA was detected more frequently in participants with >7 total residents in the childhood home [OR = 3.7 (1.5-9.1)], >2 younger siblings [OR = 2.6 (1.1-6.5)], and current cardiovascular [OR = 3.6 (1.3-9.7)] or renal [OR = 3.1 (1.2-8.0)] disease. Excluding the participants using immune modulating drugs, HHV8-DNA was more frequent among those with low red blood cells (RBC) [<4.5 10(6)/microl; OR = 5.3 (1.7-16.2)], slightly elevated mean corpuscular volume [>92 microm3/red cell; OR = 2.8 (1.0-7.8)], and mild thrombocytopenia [<151 K/microl; OR = 5.6 (1.9-16.3)]. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of HHV8-DNA in elderly Italians is associated with childhood crowding, low RBCs, and platelets, perhaps indicating roles for early infection and chronic inflammation. These risk factors are the first to be reported for non-immunosuppressed HHV8-seropositive adults.

Water, socioeconomic factors, and human herpesvirus 8 infection in Ugandan children and their mothers.

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection is common in sub-Saharan Africa, but its distribution is uneven. Transmission occurs during childhood within families by unclear routes. METHODS: We evaluated 600 Ugandan children with sickle cell disease and their mothers for factors associated with HHV-8 seropositivity in a cross-sectional study. HHV-8 serostatus was determined using an HHV-8 K8.1 glycoprotein enzyme immunoassay. Odds ratios for seropositivity were estimated using logistic regression, and factor analysis was used to identify clustering among socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen (21%) of 561 children and 166 (34%) of 485 mothers with definite HHV-8 serostatus were seropositive. For children, seropositivity was associated with age, mother's HHV-8 serostatus (especially for children aged 6 years or younger), lower maternal education level, mother's income, and low-status father's occupation (P < 0.05 for all). Using communal standpipe or using surface water sources were both associated with seropositivity (OR 2.70, 95% CI 0.80-9.06 and 4.02, 95% CI 1.18-13.7, respectively) as compared to using private tap water. These associations remained, albeit attenuated, after adjusting for maternal education and child's age (P = 0.08). In factor analysis, low scores on environmental and family factors, which captured household and parental characteristics, respectively, were positively associated with seropositivity (P(trend) < 0.05 for both). For mothers, HHV-8 seropositivity was significantly associated with water source and maternal income. CONCLUSIONS: HHV-8 infection in Ugandan children was associated with lower socioeconomic status and using surface water. Households with limited access to water may have less hygienic practices that increase risk for HHV-8 infection.