Variation of human herpesvirus 7 shedding in saliva.

Sequential analysis of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) shedding in saliva obtained from healthy adults was performed for 6 months; virus was isolated in 92 (34.1%) of the 270 saliva samples obtained. Frequency of HHV-7 shedding in serially obtained saliva samples varied among subjects. Associations between frequency of HHV-7 shedding and age, sex, and virus antibody titer were analyzed, and, although sex was not associated with frequency of shedding, young age (P=.031) and low antibody titer (P=.006) were correlated with frequent viral shedding (5 or 6 times/6 months).