WESTPORT, Conn-The human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) is sexually transmitted; however, research shows there may be additional risk factors associated with the disease.
A study conducted in Seattle-King County, Wash, examined a group of young men infected with HHV-8. This form of herpes is responsible for causing HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Catherine Diamond, MD, of the University of California at Irvine Medical Center, obtained blood specimens and surveyed 488 men ages 15 to 22 years, 74% of whom were men who reported having sex with men (MSM). HHV-8 seropositivity was 6% among MSM and 5% among those who reported being strictly heterosexual.
HHV-9 seropositivity was associated with unprotected receptive anal sex, use of injected drugs, and cytomegalovirus seropositivity, among MSM. This group also had significantly more lifetime male partners than their seronegative counterparts.
Among the heterosexual men who were seropositive for HHV-8, there was no association found with number of sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted disease, or drug use. None of these men had had sex with an HIV-infected partner within the past 6 months. Diamond's group theorized the heterosexual men acquired their infections through salivary contact or sex with women.
Information from www.hivandhepatitis.com
“A Coup Against Science”: Health Groups Decry Kennedy’s Firing of National Vaccine Advisory Panel
June 12th 2025Health leaders are outraged after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, calling it a political purge that threatens public trust and vaccine safety.
AHE Exchange Summit 2025 Brings EVS and Infection Prevention Experts Together in Columbus, Ohio
June 9th 2025The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) is set to host its largest event of the year—Exchange Summit 2025—from June 8 to 11 in Columbus, Ohio. With over 600 environmental services (EVS) professionals expected to attend, this year’s conference focuses heavily on infection prevention, interdepartmental collaboration, and education that empowers frontline health care support leaders to improve patient safety and operational efficiency.