Human herpes virus type 8 seroprevalence in pregnant women in Geneva, Switzerland.

Because of increasing migration, European countries are facing new pathogens and diseases, such as human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8). We assessed the prevalence of HHV-8 using a new ELISA test in 140 pregnant women delivering in Geneva (Switzerland). The prevalence of HHV-8 was 7.9% globally and up to 33.3% in the African subpopulation. Seropositive women were more frequently older (≥32 years old) than seronegative ones: 81.8% vs. 43%; p = 0.023, respectively. In conclusion, HHV-8 infection is present in European pregnant women. Attention should be given to the emergence of infectious diseases, such as HHV-8, and their impact on health in nonendemic countries.