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Host genetic background may influence the immunity to resist viral infection. As the most polymorphic loci in the entire human genome, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses to many invading pathogens. Studies have shown that an association might exist between HLA polymorphisms and susceptibility to Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection and associated diseases. However, discrepant conclusions were reached among different subjects with different detection methods. Therefore, it is now urgent to summarize current results and figure out the achievements and deficiencies of the existing research for the reference to future studies. A better understanding about the role of HLA polymorphisms in KSHV infection outcome would enable us to elucidate the pathways through which the virus evades the host defense system and improve strategies for the prevention and treatment of KSHV infection. HLA gene polymorphisms can partially account for the complex interactions between genetic background, KSHV infection, and the immune system as cofactors in KS. We discussed the association of HLA alleles with susceptibility to KSHV infection and the potential mechanisms by summarizing existing results. However, we found current population studies were far from sufficient compared with other viruses. Several shortcomings in design compounded by the use of less accurate serological typing methods should be noted in the future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China and its prevalence varies considerably across ethnic groups. The current study explored the prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang. Methods: A cross‐sectional study, including 282 Han ethnicity and 312 Uygur, was conducted in Xinjiang, China. All participants underwent face to face questionnaire interview. Plasma samples were collected and screened for KSHV infection using immunofluorescence assay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the correlates of KSHV seropositivity. Results: The KSHV seroprevalence was 41.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.6‐45.6) overall and was higher in the Uygur group (59.9%; 95% CI, 54.3‐65.4) than the Han group (21.3%; 95% CI, 16.6‐26.5). A significant difference in the geometric mean titer (GMT) of the KSHV antibodies was detected between the Uygur and Han groups (158.2; interquartile range [IQR], 80‐320 vs 89.1; IQR, 40‐160; P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, Uygur ethnicity (odds ratios [OR], 5.96; 95% CI, 4.05‐8.90), age greater than or equal to 50 years (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.24‐2.77), and preference for meat diet (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05‐4.46) were significantly associated with increased odds of KSHV seropositivity. Conclusion: The study demonstrated high prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection in both Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China. There is an urgent need for programmatic adaptation to address primary prevention interventions of KSHV infection in this endemic region. The study demonstrated high prevalence of KSHV infection in both Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China.The study indicated the seropositivity of KSHV was associated with Uygur ethnicity, age greater than or equal to 50 years, and preference for meat diet.This study provided a first look into the epidemiology of KSHV among general population in an endemic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are an important risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and at high-risk of herpesvirus infection. However, limited information on epidemiologic patterns of HHV8 and HSV2 among MSM is available in mainland China. A cross-sectional study of 486 participants was performed in Shanghai, China from January 2013 to December 2014 to explore epidemiologic features of HHV8 and HSV2 among MSM. Serum samples were collected and tested for HHV8 by immunofluoresence assay and HSV2 antibodies by ELISA. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors of HHV8 and HSV2 infections, respectively. The overall seroprevalence was 23.0% for HHV8 infection and 22.4% for HSV2 infection. HHV8 seropositivity was significantly associated with being a money boy (odds ratio (OR) = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.04-2.58), having a steady sex partner (OR = 0.52; 95%CI: 0.31-0.87), having ever had anal sex with men (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.09-3.86), and being HSV2 positive (OR = 2.14; 95%CI: 1.22-3.76). HSV2 seropositivity was significantly associate with being positive for HIV (OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.01-4.42), syphilis (OR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.12-3.52), HHV8 (OR = 2.17; 95%CI: 1.24-3.83), and was marginally associated with being a money boy (OR = 1. 61; 95%CI: 0.97-2.86), and having ever had unprotected casual sex (OR = 1. 72; 95%CI: 0.99-2.99). HHV8 and HSV2 infections are common in Chinese MSM. It is important to implement programs for preventing herpes virus infection among MSM, particularly high-risk groups such as money buys. And protected sexual intercourse should be propagated. J. Med. Virol. 89:887-894, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]