The Seroprevalence of Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus in the United States
Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is the viral cause of Kaposi sarcoma. Although infection
with this virus appears to be uncommon in the United States, the prevalence in the general
population in uncertain, and routes for transmission are poorly characterized. This study
makes use of questionnaire data and serum specimens obtained in the third National Health
and Nutrition Survey (NHAnes III). Sera from 18,168 individuals in this study were tested
for antibodies to the KSHV proteins K8.1 and LANA. We will use these measurements to
estimate KSHV seroprevalence for the overall U.S. general population and for demographic
subgroups. To characterize potential transmission routes, we will also examine whether KSHV
seroprevalence is related to sexual activity and exposures to blood, as indicated by
responses to questionnaire items and previous NHANES III measurements of markers of relevant
viral infections.
Observational
N/A
United States: Federal Government
010073
NCT00026728
February 2001
December 2005
Name | Location |
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National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |