Human herpesvirus type 8 DNA sequences in biological samples of HIV-positive and negative individuals in Sicily

Abstract

HHV-8 is widespread in the general population in Sicily since it was detected in PBMC and semen of heterosexual HIV-negative individuals and is not found only in high-risk groups. The viral load appears to be more elevated in a high-risk population and it may be ascribed to a viral reactivation. The higher incidence rates of KS in Sicily compared with northern Italy and other European countries might be related to the presence of HHV-8 in the general population.