Quantitation of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) antibody in patients transfused with HHV-8-seropositive blood

Transfusion. 2009 Oct;49(10):2208-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2009.02269.x. Epub 2009 Jun 23.

Abstract

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is endemic in Uganda where seroprevalence is approximately 40%. In a previous study, Ugandan patients receiving blood transfusions had multiple serum specimens collected for 6 months after transfusion to monitor for HHV-8 infection. It was observed that several HHV-8-seronegative patients were unexpectedly HHV-8 seropositive after blood transfusion.

Study design and methods: This study measured HHV-8 antibody in serially collected serum specimens from 542 patients who received transfusions and evaluated the risk of HHV-8 infection as a function of HHV-8 antibody levels in the donors.

Results: HHV-8 antibody was observed in 52% of patients transfused with HHV-8-seropositive blood in amounts that corresponded with their donor's antibody titer and waned within 40 days. Higher levels of passive HHV-8 antibody in patients who received transfusions appeared to be associated with a lower risk of HHV-8 infection.

Conclusion: The source of transient antibody in patients who received transfusions was determined to be the transfused blood. Donors with higher HHV-8 antibody titers may have been less likely to have infectious virus in the blood.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / transmission
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Transfusion Reaction*
  • Uganda

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral