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
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.