Update of the global distribution of human gammaherpesvirus 8 genotypes

Human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) consists of six major clades (A-F) based on the genetic sequence of the open reading frame (ORF)-K1. There are a few conflicting reports regarding the global distribution of the different HHV-8 genotypes. This study aimed to determine the global distribution of the different HHV-8 genotypes based on phylogenetic analysis of the ORF-K1 coding region using sequences published in the GenBank during 1997-2020 and construct a phylogenetic tree using the maximum likelihood algorithm with the GTR+I+G nucleotide substitution model. A total of 550 sequences from 38 countries/origins were analysed in this study. Genotypes A and C had similar global distributions and were prevalent in Africa and Europe. Genotype B was prevalent in Africa. Of the rare genotypes, genotype D was reported in East Asia and Oceania and genotype E in South America, while genotype F was prevalent in Africa. The highest genotypic diversity was reported in the American continent, with Brazil housing five HHV-8 genotypes (A, B, C, E, and F). In this study, we present update of the global distribution of HHV-8 genotypes, providing a basis for future epidemiological and evolutionary studies of HHV-8.

Automated summary

Genetic analysis based on ORF-K1 sequences revealed that HHV-8 genotypes A and C are widely distributed in Africa and Europe, with genotype B being predominant in Africa. Rare genotypes D and E were found in East Asia and Oceania/South America, respectively, while genotype F was prevalent in Africa. Brazil in the American continent exhibited the highest genotypic diversity with five HHV-8 genotypes present. This study provides an updated global distribution of HHV-8 genotypes for future epidemiological and evolutionary research.