Global epidemiology of human herpesvirus 8 in men who have sex with men: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Men who have sex with men (MSM) were highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and Human herpes virus 8 (HHV8), while the epidemiologic features of HHV8 among MSM remain obscure. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the burden of HHV8 in MSM. Electronic databases were searched for publications on HHV8 epidemiologic characteristics among MSM. Random-effect meta-analysis was applied to combine the HHV8 seroprevalence in MSM and odds ratios (ORs) for associated risk factors. Meta-regression and stratified analyses were performed to detect the potential sources of heterogeneity. The pooled HHV8 seroprevalence in MSM was 33.0% (95% CI 29.2%-37.1%). Significant factors associated with HHV8 included HIV (OR 3.70, 95% CI 2.93-4.67), STDs (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.82-2.97), and high risk sexual behaviors (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17-1.92). Race (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.94-2.12) and multiple sexual partners (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.95-2.72) were also associated with HHV8 (p < 0.10). We found no significant association between IDU and HHV8 (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.06-32.47). HHV8 is highly prevalent among MSM and the high risk behaviors may facilitate the transmission of this virus. This situation could be of significant public health importance, especially in the context of HIV coinfection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved