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Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpes Virus Facts

Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpes Virus Facts
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated herpes virus (KSHV) is a virus that is known to cause Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and Castleman;s disease types. It is one of seven known oncoviruses (causes human cancers). Kaposi's was first described by Moritz Kaposi in 1872 as a tumor in the blood vessel. It was originally thought to be present in those of Mediterranean and Jewish heritage but has since been found to be common in sub-Saharan Africa. It was then found to be common in AIDS patients during the epidemic in the early 1980s. Roughly 50% of AIDS patients were found to have the tumor. This led to the idea that the cancer may be related to a virus.
Interesting Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpes Virus Facts:
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpes Virus is also referred to as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-).
Symptoms of infection of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus may not be present. Once infected the virus enters lymphocytes and lies latent.
Infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus is a major concern for those with AIDS, those who have had organ transplants, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and other immunosuppressed patients.
A Kaposi's sarcoma will usually appear as a localized tumor and look like a bluish-red or even purple skin sore.
Tests for the presence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus include rapid blood cultures and serological assays.
The transmission method of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus is believed to be primarily through sexual contact however it is also known to be contracted during infancy and childhood in some places such as Africa and the transmission route in these cases is not known.
Men are more susceptible to being infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus.
It is believed that drug users who inject are also at risk for contracting Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus.
Once infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus treatment is experimental. Antiviral drugs and beat interferon have been used.
A Kaposi's sarcoma tumor can be treated by removal, local radiation, chemotherapy, and antiviral drugs.
Kaposi's sarcoma is common in AIDS patients but the use of antiretroviral therapy has been shown to reduce the occurrence of tumors by as much as 90%.
Many healthy people who become infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus never show symptoms.
It is estimated that infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus in southeast Asia, northern Europe, and the Caribbean is approximately 2 - 4%.
It is estimated that infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus in Mediterranean countries is roughly 10%, and 40% in sub-Saharan Africa.
An individual infected with genital warts or HIV-! Is more likely to have Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus.
Prevention in contracting the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus involves practicing safe sex and reducing contact with saliva.
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus can also contribute to the development of primary effusion lymphoma, a rare disease common in AIDS, and multicentric Castleman's disease, which is not malignant but can be difficult for AIDS patients.
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus is an oncovirus, which means it is known to cause cancer. Other oncoviruses include Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis B, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1, human papillomavirus, hepatitis C virus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.


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