@article{3098049,
    title = "Human herpesvirus 8 infection in hemodialysis patients",
    author = "Zavitsanou, A and Sypsa, V and Petrodaskalaki, M and Psichogiou, M and and Katsoulidou, A and Boletis, J and Hadjiconstantinou, V and Karalis, D and and Kalapothaki, V and Hatzakis, A",
    journal = "American Journal of Kidney Diseases",
    year = "2006",
    volume = "47",
    number = "1",
    pages = "167-170",
    publisher = "W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC",
    issn = "0272-6386, 1523-6838",
    doi = "10.1053/j.ajkd.2005.09.019",
    keywords = "human herpesvirus 8; hemodialysis (HD); cohort; seroconversion;
seroreversion",
    abstract = "Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate human
herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) seroprevalence in Greek hemodialysis patients.
Patterns of change in HHV-8 serostatus (seroconversions and
seroreversions) over time were also evaluated.
Methods: Serum samples obtained from a cohort of 485 Greek hemodialysis
patients were tested for antibodies to HHV-8 by whole virus lysate
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and reactive samples were confirmed
by means of the orf-73 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HHV-8
seroprevalence at study entry and the incidence of seroreversions and
seroconversions per 100 person-years were estimated.
Results: The prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies in Greek hemodialysis
patients at enrollment was 7.2%. No univariate associations were
established between HHV-8 serostatus and patients’ characteristics.
Incidences of seroreversions and seroconversions were 16.4/100
person-years (95% confidence interval, 7.1 to 32.3) and 0.28/100
person-years (95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 1.02), respectively.
Patients 50 years and younger had an increased probability for
seroreversion to HHV-8 antibodies than patients older than 50 years
(log-rank test, P = 0.018).
Conclusion: We observed a fair number of seroreversions and a low
incidence of seroconversion to HHV-8 infection in hemodialysis patients
in Greece. Our data provide indirect evidence that HHV-8 transmission in
the hemodialysis setting is uncommon."
}