Kaposi's Sarcoma and Human Herpesvirus 8 in Cuba: evidence of subtype B expansion.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the temporal distribution (1991-2009) and associated variation of KSHV subtypes in Cuba. METHOD: Phylogenetic characterization based on the KSHV K1 gene was performed using 90 KSHV positive samples. RESULTS: Molecular characterization confirmed the prevalence of a wide range of KSHV subtypes (A n=48 [A5=12]; C n=15; B n=22; and E n=5). In the current study, we observed a significant increase in HHV-8 subtype B after 2004 (p=0.0063). This Subtype B in Cuba was associated with heterosexual behaviour (OR 3.63, CI 1,2-10,98; p=0.03), with the antecedent of acquiring HIV/KSHV in Africa (p=0.0003), with nodular stage of KS lesions (OR 4.2, CI 1.1 to 15.7; p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to report KSHV Subtype B expansion in Cuba, that might be reflective of a change in human behavioural pattern.