Project Details

Investigating the molecular epidemiology of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in pediatric solid organ transplant candidates

Zheyi Teoh, MBBS, MsPH

Summary

BACKGROUND: HHV-8 belongs to the family of Herpesviridae and is clinically important in solid organ transplant recipients as reactivation or donor-derived infection can lead to transplant-associated Kaposi Sarcoma. GAP: The prevalence and epidemiology of HHV-8 viremia is poorly described in SOT recipients, especially in children. No existing pediatric SOT studies have described the natural history of HHV-8 viremia at various points during the pre-transplant and post-transplant period. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that HHV-8 PCR testing will identify additional SOT recipients who are HHV-8 seronegative during the pre-transplant period and post-transplant period. METHODS: We will conduct a prospective observational cohort of children undergoing liver, heart, and/or kidney transplantation and collect salvaged clinical blood specimens during the pre-transplant and post-transplant period and perform HHV-8 quantitative PCRs. RESULTS: Pending. IMPACT: To better inform screening and pre-emptive monitoring strategies to detect HHV-8 and their related complications in pediatric transplant programs regionally and nationally.