Human Papillomavirus and Kaposi´s sarcoma associated herpesvirus infection among a group of men who have sex with men and transgender women from Argentina: Preliminary results

FINK V; LACUNZA E; GONZALES J; PEREZ C ; PONZINIBIO V; SVIDLER LOPEZ; TEJO M; RAIMONDI A; CROCI D; CERLIANI JP; WILLIAMS S; SUED O; PICCONI MA; ABBA MC; COSO O; CAHN P; MESRI E

Simposio; Miami Winter Symposium 2019: Evolving Concepts in HIV and Emerging Viral Infections; 2019

INTRODUCTION: We developed a pilot, multidisciplinary study to describe Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Kaposi´s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection among a group of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) from Argentina. Scarce data regarding the above mentioned infections are available in this country.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients and samples: Men who have sex with men and transgender women were recruited between April and July 2018. Participants signed informed consent prior to study procedures. Samples derived from mucosa (oral and anal), blood and saliva were collected by qualified staff at Fundación Huésped. HC2 HPV collection device (Qiagen) was employed for oral and anal mucosa sampling. Spit whole saliva and blood were collected into sterile Falcon tubes respectively, and stored at -70C. Demographic, habits, HIV-related and sexual practices information were collected in a form and introduced in a database. Samples´processing: Genomic DNA from all samples were purified using Qiagen DNA purification kits (Figure 1). HPV detection was performed by PCR with PGMY 09/11 primers followed by reverse line hybridization technique. KSHV detection was performed by PCR with HHV-8 ORF26-specific primers. Cross and carryover contamination were avoided following best practice procedures. Data analysis and graphic output was performed with R/Bioconductor and MeV software. The study is currently recruiting. Preliminary results regarding HPV and KSHV are shown.