The Transmission of Human Herpes Virus Type 8 in Africa

Knowledge of the transmission dynamics of the HHV-8 is an important step in curbing the burden of this disease. Prevalence of the virus in USA and Western Europe is low and is significantly higher in Africa and in some regions of the Mediterranean. Mode of transmission in Africa is not fully understood. This study looks at the impact of risky sexual behaviour on the transmission of the virus. The study involves assaying for HHV-8 and STDs in two sub population of women classified as high and low risk. Reported high risk behaviours are analyzed as independent variables to assess any correlation with HHV-8 serostatus. High risk sexual behaviour was not shown to be a key factor for the transmission of HHV-8 in the region. The authors conclude that transmission of HHV-8 in Africa is likely to be multifactorial. This is a valuable work for those interested in Public health, women's health and the HHV-8 story.

Autorentext

Nneka Onyejepu MSc: PhD student at the University of Lagos and a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria. Orikomaba Obunge MD: Senior Lecturer and Consultant Medical Microbiologist, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Peter Odeigah PhD: Professor of Genetics at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.