HHV 8 (Kaposi’ sarcoma associated virus)

 

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Infection with HHV 8 is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma especially in renal transplant and in homosexual HIV patients.

Similar to other herpes virus, after infection the virus will remain latent and reactivate when the immunity is suppressed.

 

Transmission

Person to person transmission occur through direct contact with saliva or sexual secretions.

 

Incubation period

The incubation period is not known

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 Clinical presentations

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Primary infection

Fever and skin rash are the common presentations.

 

Immunocompromised patients

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Common after kidney transplant and in HIV infected homosexual patients.

It may involve the skin and the mucous membrane.

 

Castleman’s disease

Body Cavity lymphoma may present with pleural effusion.

 

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Investigation

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Biopsy- histopathology

 

Diagnostic tests

Where diagnosis on clinical ground is difficult, serological and molecular tests can be done.

1. Serum for HHV 8- IgG

 Indicate infection that occur at some time.

 

2. Biopsy- HHV 8 DNA PCR

It is helpful to make a definitive diagnosis.

 

Screening

Screening is not done at present.

 

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Treatment 

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Acyclovir may be effective at the early stage of infection.

In AIDS patient, HAART has been shown to control or reduce the incidence of KS.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to treat patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Some patients can also benefit from surgery.

 

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Prevention 

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There is no specific preventive measure.