A simple and rapid approach for human herpesvirus type 8 subtype characterization using single base extension.

Sequence analysis of the ORFK1 of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) allows the identification of six major subtypes (A-F), which are related to human migrations and the clinical progression of Kaposi's sarcoma. Sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of ORFK1 is considered to be the most reliable method for HHV-8 genotyping. However, it exhibits challenges and limitations. Herein, we designed and validated a single base extension (SBE) protocol for characterization of HHV-8 ORFK1 subtypes. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was carried out to amplify a small 294-bp PCR product encompassing four single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions 360, 406, 465 and 527 of the HHV-8 genome. Finally, a multiplex SBE technique was developed and validated in 20 samples previously genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. The patterns obtained in this reaction could successfully discriminate between ORFK1 subtypes. The typing results obtained completely matched with those of the 'gold standard' method in all analysed samples. This method can reliably identify HHV-8 subtypes A, B and C, which are the most prevalent ones worldwide, and the remaining subtypes (D, E and F). SBE can be useful as an efficient, rapid and low-cost screening method for viral genotyping in a single tube, particularly samples with low-quality DNA, and with easy data interpretation.

Genetic diversity and phylogeographic analysis of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) in two distant regions of Argentina: Association with the genetic ancestry of the population.

BACKGROUND: The genetic diversity of persistent infectious agents, such as HHV-8, correlates closely with the migration of modern humans out of East Africa which makes them useful to trace human migrations. However, there is scarce data about the evolutionary history of HHV-8 particularly in multiethnic Latin American populations. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to characterize the genetic diversity and the phylogeography of HHV-8 in two distant geographic regions of Argentina, and to establish potential associations with pathogenic conditions and the genetic ancestry of the population. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 101 HIV-1 infected subjects, 93 Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) patients and 411 blood donors were recruited in the metropolitan (MET) and north-western regions of Argentina (NWA). HHV-8 DNA was detected by ORF-26 PCR in whole blood, saliva and FFPE tissues. Then, ORF-26 and ORF-K1 were analyzed for subtype assignment. Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome haplogroups, as well as autosomal ancestry markers were evaluated in samples in which subtypes could be assigned. Phylogeographic analysis was performed in the ORF-K1 sequences from this study combined with 388 GenBank sequences. RESULTS: HHV-8 was detected in 50.7%, 59.2% and 8% of samples from HIV-1 infected subjects, KS patients and blood donors, respectively. ORF-K1 phylogenetic analyses showed that subtypes A (A1-A5), B1, C (C1-C3) and F were present in 46.9%, 6.25%, 43.75% and 3.1% of cases, respectively. Analyses of ORF-26 fragment revealed that 81.95% of strains were subtypes A/C followed by J, B2, R, and K. The prevalence of subtype J was more commonly observed among KS patients when compared to the other groups. Among KS patients, subtype A/C was more commonly detected in MET whereas subtype J was the most frequent in NWA. Subtypes A/C was significantly associated with Native American maternal haplogroups (p = 0.004), whereas subtype J was related to non-Native American haplogroups (p < 0.0001). Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Latin America were the most probable locations from where HHV-8 was introduced to Argentina. CONCLUSIONS: These results give evidence of the geographic circulation of HHV-8 in Argentina, suggest the association of ORF-26 subtype J with KS development and provide new insights about its relationship with ancient and modern human migrations and identify the possible origins of this virus in Argentina.

Prevalence and risk factors for oral DNA tumor viruses in HIV-infected youth.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) may promote oral cancers, especially among immunosuppressed individuals. The aims of this study were to examine whether demographic characteristics, medical history, sexual behaviors, substance use, CD4+ T-cell count, HIV viral load, and HPV vaccination were associated with HPV, EBV, and KSHV infection and viral load. Multivariable modeling using logistic or linear regression examined associations between independent variables and infection or viral load, respectively. Among 272 HIV-infected 12-24-year-old youth, 19.5% were positive for oral HPV, 88.2% for EBV, and 11.8% for KSHV. In multivariable models, recent marijuana use (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.02-3.82) and lower CD4+ T-cell count (<350 vs. ≥350 cells/mm(3) : OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.003-3.69) were associated with HPV infection; lifetime tobacco use (estimated coefficient [EC] 1.55, standard error [SE] 0.53, P = 0.0052) with HPV viral load; recent tobacco use (OR 2.90, 95%CI 1.06-7.97), and higher HIV viral load (>400 vs. <400 copies/ml: OR 3.98, 95%CI 1.84-8.74) with EBV infection; Black versus White race (EC 1.18, SE 0.37, P = 0.0023), and lower CD4+ T-cell count (EC 0.70, SE 0.28, P = 0.017) with EBV viral load, male versus female gender (OR 10, 95%CI 1.32-100) with KSHV infection, and younger age at HIV diagnosis (1-14 vs. 18-20 years: EC 0.33, SE 0.16, P = 0.049; 15-17 vs. 18-20 years: EC 0.35, SE 0.13, P = 0.0099) with KSHV viral load. In conclusion, substance use and immunosuppression are associated with oral DNA tumor viruses in HIV-infected youth. J. Med. Virol. 88:1944-1952, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Calcium spirulan derived from Spirulina platensis inhibits herpes simplex virus 1 attachment to human keratinocytes and protects against herpes labialis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 are highly prevalent in populations worldwide and cause recurrent oral lesions in up to 40% of infected subjects. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the antiviral activity of a defined Spirulina platensis microalga extract and of purified calcium spirulan (Ca-SP), a sulfated polysaccharide contained therein. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of HSV-1 were assessed by using a plaque reduction assay and quantitative PCR in a susceptible mammalian epithelial cell line and confirmed in human keratinocytes. Time-of-addition and attachment experiments and fluorescence detection of the HSV-1 tegument protein VP16 were used to analyze the mechanism of HSV-1 inhibition. Effects of Ca-SP on Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpes virus 8 replication and uptake of the ORF45 tegument protein were tested in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. In an observational trial the prophylactic effects of topically applied Ca-SP were compared with those of systemic and topical nucleoside analogues in 198 volunteers with recurrent herpes labialis receiving permanent lip makeup. RESULTS: Ca-SP inhibited HSV-1 infection in vitro with a potency at least comparable to that of acyclovir by blocking viral attachment and penetration into host cells. Ca-SP also inhibited entry of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpes virus 8. In the clinical model of herpes exacerbation, the prophylactic effect of a Ca-SP and microalgae extract containing cream was superior to that of acyclovir cream. CONCLUSION: These data indicate a potential clinical use of Ca-SP containing Spirulina species extract for the prophylactic treatment of herpes labialis and suggest possible activity of Ca-SP against infections caused by other herpesviruses.

Identificação do gene EBER1 e EBNA1 do vírus de Epstein Barr (EBV) em tecidos de pacientes com doença de Hodgkin na região Norte do Brasil / Identification of gene EBER1 and EBNA 1 of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in tissues of patients with Hodgkin’s disease in Northern Brazil

O vírus de Epstein Barr (EBV) é o agente causador da mononucle¬ose infecciosa e está associado a várias desordens proliferativas malignas tais como: linfoma de Burkitt, linfoma de Hodgkin e lin¬fomas não Hodgkin. Objetivo: detectar o genoma do EBV mediante a identificação dos genes EBER1 e EBNA1 em casos de doença de Hodgkin. Métodos: um total de 65 casos de linfomas diagnosti¬cados no Hospital Ophir Loyola no período de 1996 e 2005 foram analisados no Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Brasil. Todos os espécimes parafinizados foram analisados por hibridização in situ (gene EBER1) e PCR em tempo real (EBNA1). Resultados: do total, 64,6% (42/65) dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 35,4% (23/65) do sexo feminino. O EBV foi identificado por HIS nas células Reed Sternberg e variantes em 76,9% (50/65) dos casos com idade média de 28,3 anos (variação 2-84 anos). Os subtipos histológicos de casos EBV-positivos foram os seguintes: esclerose nodular em 50% (25/50), celularidade mista em 28% (14/50), depleção linfocitária em 14% (7/50) e predominância linfocitária em 8% (4/50). O DNA do EBV foi detectado em 53% (26/49) dos casos de doença de Hodgkin com um coeficiente de regressão para a curva padrão de 0,99. Conclusão: este estudo foi a primeira descrição do vírus de Epstein Barr em casos de linfoma de Hodgkin na Amazônia Brasileira, reforçando a hipótese de que o EBV seja um co-fator no processo de transformação neoplásica em conjunto com a predisposição genética e imunidade do paciente

Introduction: EBV is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and is associated with several malignant proliferative disorders such as Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, some B and T cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of EBER 1 gene and EBNA1 gene in cases of Hodgkin’s disease. Material and Methods: A total of 65 cases of lymphomas diagnosed between 1996 and 2005 were obtained from “Instituto Ofir Loyola” and analyzed at the “Instituto Evandro Chagas” Ananindeua, Brazil. The EBV antigens using EBER 1 probe in situ hybridization (HIS) and real time quantitative PCR. Results: From the total obtained, 64.6% (42/65) were male and 35.4% (23/65) female. EBV was identified in the Reed- Sternberg cells and variants in 76.9% (50/65) of Hodgkin’s disease cases, the median age were 28.3 years (range 2-84). The histologic subtypes of EBV-positive cases were as follows: nodular sclerosis in 50% (25/50), mixed cellularity in 28% (14/50), lymphocyte depletion in 14% (7/50) and lymphocyte predominance in 8% (4/50). We detected EBV DNA in 53% (26/49) with a coefficient of regression for the standard curve of a minimum of 0.99. Conclusion: These results were the first demonstration of the role of Epstein Barr virus in cases of Hodgkin diseases in northern Brazil and are consistent with the hypothesis that the presence of EBV during neoplasic transformation could be an additional cofactor acting together with both genetic predisposition and immunity of the patient

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8-negative effusion-based lymphoma: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare subtype of large B-cell lymphoma that arises in body cavities without detectable tumor masses. PEL is universally associated with Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8). Despite overlapping features, KSHV/HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphoma is a distinct entity from PEL. To date, 52 cases have been reported. The authors report 3 additional cases received in their laboratory from 2007 to 2012. METHODS: Clinical data, cytomorphologic features, and immunophenotypic features of the 3 cases were described and compared with those reported in the literature. RESULTS: The cells in HHV8-negative effusion lymphoma commonly revealed large cell, immunoblastic morphology and B-cell immunophenotype. The 3 cases demonstrated cytomorphologic and immunophenotypic variability. Cytomorphologically, 1 case contained large, highly atypical cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm, round nucleus, coarsely granular chromatin, and a single macronucleolus. The other 2 cases had medium to large atypical cells with high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios, slightly irregular to cleaved nuclei, and multiple conspicuous nucleoli. One case had a null phenotype with aberrant cytokeratin expression. B-cell phenotype was established by clonal immunoglobulin heavy-chain rearrangement using polymerase chain reaction, whereas the other 2 cases demonstrated a B-cell phenotype by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining. All 3 cases were negative for both HHV8 and Epstein-Barr virus. CONCLUSIONS: HHV8-negative effusion lymphoma exhibits clinical, cytomorphologic, and immunophenotypic variability. Cases with a null-phenotype can be particularly challenging. When effusion lymphoma is suspected, ancillary tests are helpful. Moreover, HHV8 detection is critical in differentiating PEL and HHV8-negative effusion lymphoma, because they have overlapping features yet different prognoses.

Adenovirus - mediated Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Gene Transference and Combined Drug Therapy Leads to Opoptosis of Human Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To evaluate the treatment and apoptosis effect of adenovirus-mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV 1-tk) gene transference followed by administration of ganciclovir (GCV) and acyclovir (ACV) on ovarian epithelial cancer cells. Methods Recombinant adenovirus was amplificated and purified by routine method. The expression of HSV 1-tk gene was assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The efficiency of recombinant Advtk transference was evaluated. The cytotoxicity efficacy of TYK cells that carry HSV 1-tk gene was evaluated followed by GCV、ACV administration after the transference of Advtk. The changes and apoptosis of TYK cells that carry HSV 1-tk gene were observed by means of analysis of DNA fragmentation and electronic microscopy. Results Adenovirus was amplificated and purified in large amount. PCR assay showed 404 bp special band. When the multiplicities of infection (MOI) was 100, the transduction rate was 98 9%. The inhibition rates of TYK cells that carry HSV 1-tk gene increased with the increase of MOI when the same concentration of GCV、 ACV were given. When the MOI was same, the inhibition rates were also increased with the increase concentration of GCV、ACV. Apoptosis of TYK cells that carry HSV 1-tk gene after administration of GCV was observed by means of analysis of DNA fragmentation and electronic microscopy. Conclusions The HSV 1-tk gene can effectively transfered into TYK cells by recombinant replicated-deficient adenovirus vector, GCV、ACV can effectively kill TYK cells that carry HSV 1-tk gene in vitro. Apoptosis may be the mechanism of the killing effect.