HHV-6 in Djibouti--an epidemiological survey in young adults

Human herpesvirus type six (HHV-6), previously called human B-cell lymphotropic virus (HBLV), was first isolated in 1986 from patients with various lymphoproliferative disorders, some related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In order to investigate the epidemiology of HHV-6 in the Horn of Africa, we studied 281 young adults living in the city of Djibouti during June 1988. Of these, 181 belonged to various groups at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while 100 represented the normal young adult population. Sera were screened and titrated for antibodies against HHV-6 by an indirect fluorescent antibody assay. The percentage seropositivity for HHV-6 was 71 in the normal population, 75 in the population at risk for HIV, and 93 in the population of subjects with a confirmed positive HIV Western blot. Mean titres of positive sera were similar in all population groups. No correlation existed between HHV-6 seropositivity and age, sex, tribe, habitat, and risk factors for HIV. A positive correlation was noted between HHV-6 and patients complaining of fatigue.