Human Herpesvirus--8 in Peruvian Blood Donors: A Population with Hyperendemic Disease?

Abstract

Serum samples from 128 blood donors were tested for antibodies specific for human herpesvirus-8 by an immunofluorescence assay that detects antibodies against mainly lytic antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 56.25% was found (male donors, 54.68%; female donors, 57.11%). These findings indicate that human herpesvirus-8 infection is hyperendemic in Peruvian blood donors.