Studies of Human Herpesvirus 8 and Kaposi's Sarcoma in Sicily

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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A series of studies will be conducted in Sicily by a collaborative team from the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the University of Palermo to better understand the prevalence and risk factors for the newly discovered human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) and Kaposi s sarcoma (KS), which may be a consequence of HHV8 infection. There are four short-term projects: To determine HHV8 seroprevalence in extant, unlinked sera from informative groups, including homosexual men, persons with sexually transmitted diseases, and in general population groups, particularly the elderly. In addition, HHV8 prevalence and other serological studies may be determined among other adults, particularly those who may be recruited for future studies and those likely to enhance understanding of HHV8 serology. To identify a pediatric syndrome that might be associated with HHV8 infection, HHV8 seroprevalence will be determined in sera from hospitalized children with a wide range of clinical conditions. To determine HHV8 seroprevalence in various regions of Italy and by HLA Class II groups that have been linked to increased (HLA-DR5) or decreased (HLA-DR3) risk of KS, using extant, unlinked sera and data from volunteer bone marrow donors. To conduct a case control study that will identify risk factors for KS among persons who are infected with HHV8 and who manifest anti-HHV8 latent antibodies. The results of these projects will be summarized for publication in the medical and scientific literature and for the design and prioritization of related projects in the future.

Detailed Description
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A series of studies will be conducted in Sicily by a collaborative team from the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the University of Palermo to better understand the prevalence and risk factors for the newly discovered human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) and Kaposi s sarcoma (KS), which may be a consequence of HHV8 infection. There are four short-term projects: To determine HHV8 seroprevalence in extant, unlinked sera from informative groups, including homosexual men, persons with sexually transmitted diseases, and in general population groups, particularly the elderly. In addition, HHV8 prevalence and other serological studies may be determined among other adults, particularly those who may be recruited for future studies and those likely to enhance understanding of HHV8 serology. To identify a pediatric syndrome that might be associated with HHV8 infection, HHV8 seroprevalence will be determined in sera from hospitalized children with a wide range of clinical conditions. To determine HHV8 seroprevalence in various regions of Italy and by HLA Class II groups that have been linked to increased (HLA-DR5) or decreased (HLA-DR3) risk of KS, using extant, unlinked sera and data from volunteer bone marrow donors. To conduct a case control study that will identify risk factors for KS among persons who are infected with HHV8 and who manifest anti-HHV8 latent antibodies. The results of these projects will be summarized for publication in the medical and scientific literature and for the design and prioritization of related projects in the future.

Official Title
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Studies of Human Herpesvirus 8 and Kaposi's Sarcoma in Sicily

Conditions
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Kaposi s Sarcoma (KS)

Participation Criteria
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Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 99 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Cases<br>Adults in Italy with Kaposi's sarcoma | |
| Controls<br>Adults in Italy without Kaposi's sarcoma | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) | Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) | 5 years | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Human Herpes virus 8 (HHV8), Kaposi sarcoma (KS)