HHV 8 ʹ ring around the Kaposi

HHV8 and Kaposi's Sarcoma

• HHV8 (Human Herpesvirus 8) is associated with Kaposi's Sarcoma, a type of cancer.
• HHV8 is a DNA virus from the Herpes family.

Characteristics of Kaposi's Sarcoma

• Erythematous violaceous lesions can occur on the nose, extremities, and mucous membranes.
• Lesions can appear as plaques, patches, macules, or nodules.
• Lesions are caused by the proliferation of primitive mesenchymal cells, leading to angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis and VEGF

• Dysregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes to the development of Kaposi's Sarcoma.

Lesion Locations

• The hard palate is the most common location for Kaposi's Sarcoma lesions.
• Intestinal lesions can also occur.

Transmission and Risk Groups

• HHV8 can be transmitted through saliva, with kissing being a possible mode of transmission.
• Elderly Russian men and people from endemic areas in Africa are at increased risk.

Differential Diagnosis

• HHV8-induced Kaposi's Sarcoma must be differentiated from Bartonella henselae infections.
• Lymphocytic infiltrate is characteristic of HHV8-induced lesions, whereas Bacillary angiomatosis has a neutrophil infiltrate.

Treatment and Association with AIDS

• HHV8-induced Kaposi's Sarcoma is often treated with AIDS therapy.
• The virus primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS.