Human herpesvirus 8 detection in nasal secretions and saliva

Abstract

The presence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nasal secretions and saliva from 14 HHV-8- seropositive persons, including 8 Kaposi's sarcoma patients: 7 were human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected, 6 of whom were asymptomatic. HHV-8 was detected in one or both body fluids in 8 (57%) of 14 subjects. Parallel PCR testing revealed the concomitant presence of cytomegalovirus, Epstein- Barr virus, and HHV-6 in various combinations in these body fluids. These data indicate frequent shedding of multiple herpes-viruses in nasal secretions and saliva, particularly in Kaposi's sarcoma patients. Both body fluids are therefore potential sources HHV-8 by nonsexual transmission.