Factors associated with human herpesvirus type 8 infection in an injecting drug user cohort

Sex Transm Dis. 2003 Mar;30(3):199-204. doi: 10.1097/00007435-200303000-00004.

Abstract

Background: Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) has been infrequently studied in injecting drug user (IDU) populations.

Goal: To estimate the seroprevalence of HHV-8 and risk factors for infection in a cohort of 2,946 IDUs.

Study design: In this nested cross-sectional study of 390 IDUs, lytic HHV-8 indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was utilized to estimate the HHV-8 seroprevalence. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for infection.

Results: The HHV-8 seroprevalence among the IDUs examined in 1988 was 11.5% (95% confidence interval, 8.5-15.13). HHV-8 seroprevalence in this population was associated with being female (OR = 2.2; = 0.080), having a larger body mass index (OR = 3.0; = 0.053), and history of genital warts (OR = 4.0; = 0.023). Injection of any drug more than daily exhibited an inverse effect on HHV-8 seropositivity (OR = 0.5; = 0.085).

Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HHV-8 in this population is similar to that seen in the general population, with risk factors being more consistent with sexual behaviors than injection drug use.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Baltimore / epidemiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / blood
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / etiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous*