Prevalence and correlates of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections among adults: evidence from the NHANES III data

Background Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) prevalence and risk factors exhibit considerable variations across populations in different geographic regions. Determinants and the transmission routes of KSHV infection are uncertain. We seek to identify the possible risk factors and the transmission routes of KSHV infection in non-endemic areas. Methods We collected annual cases and seroprevalence of KSHV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) from the NHANES III sampled individuals from the US general population (1988–1994). We included 13,179 and 10,720 individuals with available remaining serum samples of KSHV and HSV-2. Logistic regression was employed to explore potential risk factors for the seropositivity. Results The seroprevalence was 2.05% for KSHV infection and 31.03% for HSV2 infection among this population. All risk factors of sexual behaviors included were strongly associated with HSV-2 positive, however, only MSM had an approximately fivefold increased risk of KSHV infection (OR = 4.71; 95%CI 1.61 11.30). Mexican Americans (2.51%) and older (chi-square trend = − 6.71, P < 0.001) individuals had a higher risk of KSHV infection. After adjustment, individuals with higher level of education and economic status had lower KSHV infection. Conclusions In non-endemic areas, KSHV transmission may be related to sexual activity in men, especially in male homosexuals. Higher education level and economic status are protective factors for KSHV infection.