General Information

HHV-8 is a member of the gamma 2 herpesvirus family. It is also known as Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), as fragments of herpesvirus DNA were isolated from Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions. KSHV is not pathogenic in healthy individuals but is oncogenic in those with HIV-1 or who are immunosuppressed.

HHV-8 appears to target 2 main cell types endothelial cells and B cells. It is thought that the virus remains in these cells in a latent state but can be reactivated in immunocompromised individuals or those who are receiving immunosuppresive medication.

A number of types of KS exist: AIDS associated KS, African endemic KS, classic Mediterranean KS and post transplant KS. HHV-8 DNA has been found in all of these forms. KSHV has also been associated with primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease.

Evidence also suggests that HHV-8 positive patients who underwent kidney transplantation or who became infected post-transplantation were at a high risk of developing KS for up to 2 years after transplantation. This indicates that immunosuppressive medication can lead to reactivation of HHV-8 latent infection.