Molecular detection and genotyping of human herpes virus 8 in blood donors in Congo

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Abstract

Objectives. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is rarely studied in Congo, despite its prevalence in Africa. Among healthy individuals, HHV-8 does not always lead to a life-threatening infection; however, in immunocompromised individuals, it could lead to more severe disease. The distribution of HHV-8 genotypes varies depending on ethnicity and geographic region.

Method. A prospective cross-sectional study included 265 samples from healthy blood donors from the National Blood Transfusion Center in Brazzaville, with an average age of 35 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 60 years. After DNA extraction, a nested PCR was carried out for molecular detection, followed by genotyping by amplification of specific primers.

Result. In this study, 4.9% were positive for molecular detection of HHV-8 DNA. All HHV-8 positive DNA samples that were subjected to genotyping by amplification with specific primers allowing discrimination of two major genotypes (A and B). Genotype A was identified in 5 (1.9%) samples and genotype B in 2 (0.7%) samples, indicating that both genotypes were predominant. The remaining viral DNA samples not identified as the major genotypes were classified as «indeterminate» and consisted of 6 (2.3%) samples.

Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that Congo is an area where HHV-8 infection is endemic.

About the authors

Patrina Joseph Iloukou

Hassan II University of Casablanca; Marien N’gouabi University

Email: Josephiloukou1@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5505-2145

M. Sc., Doctorant, Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment and New Energy, Faculty of Science and Technology; Department of Health and Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences

Morocco, Casablanca; Brazzaville, Congo

Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba

Marien N’gouabi University; National Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSSA)

Email: anicetboumba1974@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-7675-5133

M. Sc., PhD, Professor, Director of the Health Sciences Research Zone, Pointe-Noire Research Zone

Congo, Brazzaville; Brazzaville

Dorine Florence Luthera Ngombe

Hassan II University of Casablanca; Marien N’gouabi University

Email: ngombedorine@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-7065-2934

M. Sc., Doctorant, Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment and New Energy, Faculty of Science and Technology; Department of Health and Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences

Morocco, Casablanca; Brazzaville, Congo

Norvi Rigobert Bienvenu Massengo

Marien N’gouabi University

Email: bienvenumassengo@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0000-9474-7989

M. Sc., Doctorant, Department of Health and Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences

Congo, Brazzaville

Gervillien Arnold Malonga

Marien N’gouabi University; Sorbonne University, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Public Assistance ‒ Paris Hospitals (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospitals ‒ Charles Foix

Email: arnoldgermalonga@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1840-951X

Department of Health and Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences; M. Sc., Doctorant, Virology Laboratory

Congo, Brazzaville; Paris, France

Donatien Moukassa

Marien N’gouabi University

Email: donatienmoukassa@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6764-7122

M. Sc., PhD, Professor, Head of Health and Human Biology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences

Congo, Brazzaville

Moulay Mustapha Ennaji

Hassan II University of Casablanca

Author for correspondence.
Email: m.ennaji@yahoo.fr
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5809-0270

M. Sc., PhD, Professor, Virology, Oncology And Biotechnology Research Group Leader ‒ Head of Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment and New Energy, Faculty of Science and Technology

Morocco, Casablanca

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Copyright (c) 2024 Iloukou P.J., Boumba A.L., Ngombe D.F., Massengo N.R., Malonga G.A., Moukassa D., Ennaji M.M.

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