Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy on Kaposi’s Sarcoma–Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Transmission Among HIV-Infected Zambian Children

Abstract

Our data suggest that early ART and prevention of immune suppression reduce the risk of KSHV acquisition among HIV-infected children in an area where both viruses are highly endemic. This study highlights the importance of programs in Africa to provide children with ART immediately after HIV infection is diagnosed.

HIV-associated malignancies in children

“…Recent studies demonstrated that HIV-infected children have a higher risk of co-infection with HHV-8 compared to HIV-uninfected children [16,17]. An observational study from Zambia suggested that in HIV-infected children receiving cART the risk of HHV-8 infection was similar to HIV-uninfected children [17].…”

“…Recent studies demonstrated that HIV-infected children have a higher risk of co-infection with HHV-8 compared to HIV-uninfected children [16,17]. An observational study from Zambia suggested that in HIV-infected children receiving cART the risk of HHV-8 infection was similar to HIV-uninfected children [17]. In contrast, in HIV-infected children not receiving cART the risk of acquiring HHV-8 was six-times higher compared to HIV-uninfected children (incidence rate ratio 5.97, 95%CI 3.13–11.41) [17].…”

Animal models of tumorigenic herpesviruses — an update

“…Indeed, herpesviruses are normally and predominantly “silently” transmitted from mother to child. Mother-to-child transmission in infancy is the predominant mode for acquiring Epstein-Barr Virus ( EBV ) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ( KSHV ) in endemic healthy populations[1,2]. …”

“…in the absence of active HIV replication and despite a reasonable number of CD4 cells (>200). These patients tend to be older men and may represent the intersection of incomplete immune repertoire restoration after HIV exposure, long-term immune activation due to microbial translocation, and diminished immune function due to aging.In Sub-Saharan Africa, KS is also observed in children that acquired both HIV and KSHV at infancy from their mother[1]. …”

“…In Sub-Saharan Africa, KS is also observed in children that acquired both HIV and KSHV at infancy from their mother[1]. …”