herpes
Herpes zoster and HIV-1 infection in a rural Ugandan cohort.

Morgan D, Mahe C, Malamba S, Okongo M, Mayanja B, Whitworth J.

Medical Research Council Programme on AIDS/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates and clinical features of herpes zoster in HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in a cohort in rural Uganda; to report the incidence of herpes zoster in the HIV-positive group in relation to seroconversion and CD4 cell counts and to determine whether it is indicative of a more rapid progression to death. DESIGN: A prospective population-based cohort. METHODS: The cohort comprised 107 prevalent and 144 incident (with documented dates of seroconversion) participants with HIV infection and 231 HIV-negative controls who were reviewed routinely every 3 months. RESULTS: The mean rate of herpes zoster was 53.6/1000 person-years in HIV-positive and 4.4 in HIV-negative participants. The cumulative incidence of a first episode of herpes zoster was 7.6% at 2 years, 12.6% at 4 years and 24.0% at 6 years after seroconversion; the incidence rate was 35.6/1000 person-years. There was no evidence of a significant effect of age, gender, period from seroconversion or CD4 cell count on this incidence rate. Herpes zoster was an indicator of HIV-1 infection in this population but not an indicator of more rapid progression to death after adjusting for CD4 cell count and age. CONCLUSIONS: The rates, including the cumulative incidence after seroconversion and the clinical presentation of herpes zoster, were similar to those reported from industrialized countries. Although an indicator of HIV-1 infection in this population, herpes zoster was unrelated to CD4 cell count or period from seroconversion and did not lead to a faster disease progression.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11216931&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Lytic replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus results in the formation of multiple capsid species: isolation and molecular characterization of A, B, and C capsids from a gammaherpes virus.

Nealon K, Newcomb WW, Pray TR, Craik CS, Brown JC, Kedes DH.

Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.

Despite the discovery of Epstein-Barr virus more than 35 years ago, a thorough understanding of gammaherpes virus capsid composition and structure has remained elusive. We approached this problem by purifying capsids from Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV), the only other known human gammaherpes virus. The results from our biochemical and imaging analyses demonstrate that KSHV capsids possess a typical herpes virus icosahedral capsid shell composed of four structural proteins. The hexameric and pentameric capsomers are composed of the major capsid protein (MCP) encoded by open reading frame 25. The heterotrimeric complexes, forming the capsid floor between the hexons and pentons, are each composed of one molecule of ORF62 and two molecules of ORF26. Each of these proteins has significant amino acid sequence homology to capsid proteins in alpha- and betaherpes viruses. In contrast, the fourth protein, ORF65, lacks significant sequence homology to its structural counterparts from the other subfamilies. Nevertheless, this small, basic, and highly antigenic protein decorates the surface of the capsids, as does, for example, the even smaller basic capsid protein VP26 of herpes simplex virus type 1. We have also found that, as with the alpha- and betaherpes viruses, lytic replication of KSHV leads to the formation of at least three capsid species, A, B, and C, with masses of approximately 200, 230, and 300 MDa, respectively. A capsids are empty, B capsids contain an inner array of a fifth structural protein, ORF17.5, and C capsids contain the viral genome.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11222712&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Capsid structure of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus, a gammaherpes virus, compared to those of an alphaherpes virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, and a betaherpes virus, cytomegalovirus.

Trus BL, Heymann JB, Nealon K, Cheng N, Newcomb WW, Brown JC, Kedes DH, Steven AC.

Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

The capsid of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) was visualized at 24-A resolution by cryoelectron microscopy. Despite limited sequence similarity between corresponding capsid proteins, KSHV has the same T=16 triangulation number and much the same capsid architecture as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Its capsomers are hexamers and pentamers of the major capsid protein, forming a shell with a flat, close-packed, inner surface (the "floor") and chimney-like external protrusions. Overlying the floor at trigonal positions are (alpha beta(2)) heterotrimers called triplexes. The floor structure is well conserved over all three viruses, and the most variable capsid features reside on the outer surface, i.e., in the shapes of the protrusions and triplexes, in which KSHV resembles CMV and differs from HSV. Major capsid protein sequences from the three subfamilies have some similarity, which is closer between KSHV and CMV than between either virus and HSV. The triplex proteins are less highly conserved, but sequence analysis identifies relatively conserved tracts. In alphaherpes viruses, the alpha-subunit (VP19c in HSV) has a 100-residue N-terminal extension and an insertion near the C terminus. The small basic capsid protein sequences are highly divergent: whereas the HSV and CMV proteins bind only to hexons, difference mapping suggests that the KSHV protein, ORF65, binds around the tips of both hexons and pentons.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11222713&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Structural organization and analysis of the viral terminase gene locus of Tupaia herpes virus.

Bahr U, Tobiasch E, Darai G.

Institut fur Medizinische Virologie, Universitat Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.

Tupaia herpes virus (THV) was isolated from spontaneously degenerating tissue cultures of malignant lymphoma, lung, and spleen cell cultures of tree shrews (Tupaia spp.). In order to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of THV the complete nucleotide sequence of the viral terminase (VTER) gene locus (6223 bp) of Tupaia herpes virus strain 2 (THV-2) was elucidated and analysed. The VTER gene locus, encoding one of the most highly conserved herpes viral proteins is composed of two exons. The intron contains five potential open reading frames (ORFs). The arrangement of these ORFs is colinear with the corresponding regions in the genomes of the mammalian cytomegaloviruses. The precise primary structure of the THV-2 VTER splice junction was determined using RT-PCR and was found to be in agreement with the corresponding splice donor and acceptor sites of the mammalian cytomegaloviruses. The comparison of all six putative THV-2 proteins with the corresponding counterparts in other herpes viruses revealed that THV resides between the Human and the Murine cytomegalovirus (HCMV, MCMV). These results are in agreement with our previous statement, that THV and the known cytomegaloviruses are closely related to each other and should be classified into one taxonomic group. The genetic data presented here and in previous studies are based on the detailed comparison of highly conserved viral genes. Consequently, the classification of the Human and the cytomegaloviruses into the two genera Cyto- and Muromegalovirus, that is mainly based on overall genome structure, should be reconsidered.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11226571&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Predictive value of quantitative PCR-based viral burden analysis for eight human herpes viruses in pediatric solid organ transplant patients.

Bai X, Rogers BB, Harkins PC, Sommerauer J, Squires R, Rotondo K, Quan A, Dawson DB, Scheuermann RH.

Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Human herpes viruses can cause significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. It was hypothesized that viral burden quantification by polymerase chain reaction using an internal calibration standard could aid in distinguishing between viral disease and latency. Here we report the results of a 2-year prospective study of 27 pediatric solid organ (liver, kidney, or heart) transplant recipients in which multiple samples were analyzed for levels of all eight human herpes viruses by internal calibration standard-polymerase chain reaction. Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus were not detected in any of these samples. Human herpes virus types 6 and 7 were detected in half of the patients, but were present at low levels, similar to those found in reference populations. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were detected in 89% and 56% of the patients, respectively. Viral burden analysis suggested distinct patient populations for CMV, with a natural cutoff of 10,000 viral targets/ml blood strongly associated with disease. In some cases, a dramatic increase in CMV levels preceded clinical evidence of disease by several weeks. EBV viral burden was relatively high in the only patient presenting with an EBV syndrome. However, two other patients without evidence of EBV disease had single samples with high EBV burden. Rapid reduction in both EBV and CMV burden occurred with antiviral treatment. These data suggest that viral burden analysis using internal calibration standard-polymerase chain reaction for CMV, and possibly other herpes viruses, is an effective method for monitoring pediatric transplant patients for significant herpes virus infection and response to therapy.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11232109&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus compared with selected sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents and young adults in rural Rakai District, Uganda.

Wawer MJ, Eng SM, Serwadda D, Sewankambo NK, Kiwanuka N, Li C, Gray RH.

Center for Population and Family Health, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) is transmitted by routes such as homosexual intercourse and is associated with HIV infection in industrialized countries. However, there is little information about its transmission in developing countries where Kaposi sarcoma is an endemic disease. GOAL: To examine KSHV seroprevalence in young adults in a general, rural Ugandan population, and to compare this prevalence with rates of known sexually transmitted infections. STUDY DESIGN: The seroprevalence of KSHV was compared with the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases in 523 sexually active subjects aged 15 to 29 years who were randomly selected from a general population cohort in rural Rakai District, Uganda. Participants provided in-home interview data and specimens. Sera were tested for KSHV using immunofluorescence assay and immunoblot for lytically expressed recombinant KSHV ORF65.2. Sera were also tested for HIV type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, and syphilis. RESULTS: The prevalence of KSHV was significantly higher in participants 15 to 19 years compared with older persons 25 to 29 years (45.0% and 36.1%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.82). In contrast, herpes simplex virus type 2 and HIV type 1 prevalence increased with age. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus serostatus was not associated with HIV type 1, syphilis, herpes simplex virus type 2, or number of sexual partners. Homosexual and anal intercourse were reported by less than 1% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus does not appear to be a heterosexually transmitted infection in rural Uganda.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11234789&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Development of a PCR procedure for the detection of a herpes-like virus infecting oysters in France.

Renault T, Le Deuff RM, Lipart C, Delsert C.

Laboratoire de Genetique et Pathologie, IFREMER, La Tremblade, France. trenault ifremer.fr

A PCR-based procedure for detecting a herpes-like virus that infects the Japanese oyster, Crassostrea gigas, in France was developed. Two primers were designed to provide specific amplification products ranging in size from 917 to 1001 bp when carried out on oyster herpes-like virus DNA. No amplification was observed of oyster genomic DNA nor of the DNA from vertebrate herpes viruses. Crude samples were prepared and submitted to nested PCR, allowing amplification of DNA fragments of the expected size when carried out on infected larval and spat samples. The procedure used to prepare the sample for PCR was found to be critical because of the presence of unidentified substances in oyster tissues that inhibit the PCR reaction. A rapid and convenient sample preparation using ground tissues allowed a sensitive detection of the herpes-like virus infected oysters. The ability of the defined PCR protocol to diagnose herpes-like virus infections in oysters was compared to the transmission electron microscopy technique using 15 C. gigas larval batches with or without mortalities. PCR amplification is as sensitive a diagnostic assay for herpes-like virus as transmission electron microscopy. However, the nested PCR protocol is more convenient and less time consuming. The relationship between reported mortalities among C. gigas oyster spat and herpes-like virus DNA detection by PCR was also investigated. Statistical analysis showed that virus detection and mortalities are correlated. This observation highlights the importance of studying the causative role of herpes-like virus in oyster spat mortalities.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10921841&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
[Herpes labialis and genitalis in general medicine]

[Article in French]

Gallais J, Boisnault P, Morel F, Clerc P, Letrillard L, Hebbrecht G.

Societe Francaise de Medecine Generale, 27, boulevard Gambetta, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux. sfmg club-internet.fr

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the respective importance of herpes labialis and genitalis in patients consulting general practitioners and ascertain their knowledge and opinions concerning herpes labialis and genitalis in order to analyze patient behavior in case of flare-ups. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A questionnaire was proposed to a representative sample of patients aged 15 years and older seen at consultation by 49 general practitioners participating in the General Medicine Observatory of the French Society of General Practitioners. RESULTS: Among the 4,403 patients who responded, a known history of herpes labialis was reported by 39. 9 p.100 and of herpes genitalis by 2.5 p.100. Their answers to the questions demonstrated insufficient knowledge of avoidable risks of herpes as a sexually transmitted disease, with very significant misunderstanding by men. Among the 1,711 patients who had experienced herpes labialis, 62.9 p.100 initiated self-medication, 29 p.100 preferred to wait and see and 7.5 p.100 sought medical assistance. Among the 108 patients who had experienced herpes genitalis, at the last flare-up 40 p.100 initiated self-medication, 7.5 p.100 preferred to wait and see and 52 p.100 sought medical assistance. The general practitioner was the first physician consulted for both types of herpes. DISCUSSION: This study illustrates the importance of herpes infections in the general medicine patients. It also confirms that new interventional strategies are needed both for health care and for health education.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10930857&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine