Human herpes virus 8 infection in kidney transplant patients from an area of northwestern Italy (Piemonte region).

BACKGROUND

Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) infection is associated with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and other neoplastic and non-neoplastic manifestations. A strong association between HHV-8 and KS has been evidenced in transplant recipients, particularly kidney recipients.

METHODS

We have investigated the HHV-8 seroprevalence by an immunoenzymatic assay in 408 patients awaiting kidney transplantation and in the corresponding 356 donors; moreover, we have tested for the presence of HHV-8 DNA by nested PCR in available serum samples of the same graft recipients at 6, 12 and >18 months post-transplantation (overall 156 specimens). Associated factors, such as age, sex, area of residence, potential for HHV-8 transmission via organ transplantation and development of KS were also investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty (4.9%) of 408 patients and 7 (1.9%) of 356 donors were seropositive. HHV-8 seropositive patients were on average about 6 years older than seronegative individuals. No difference in prevalence by gender was found. Considering the area of residence of seropositive patients, 4/161 (2.48%) were resident in Piemonte vs 16/247 (6.47%) in other areas of Italy (P = n.s.). During the follow-up post-transplantation, HHV-8 DNA was found only in four patients who were seropositive before transplantation, in three cases the corresponding donor was seronegative, in one the corresponding donor was also seropositive and the recipient developed KS. At >18 months post-transplantation, two patients were HHV-8 DNA positive, both were seronegative pre-transplantation and their corresponding donors were seronegative.

CONCLUSIONS

HHV-8 seroprevalence in the Piemonte region seems to be low, also in a population of kidney transplant recipients. Based on our data, it does not seem that the immunosuppressive regimen favours the reactivation of HHV-8. Our results do not suggest the possibility of HHV-8 transmission via organ transplantation. Incidence of KS among HHV-8 seropositive patients was very low.