KSHV

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), is a type of human herpesvirus. It is known to cause several types of cancer, including Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and some types of multicentric Castleman's disease.

Discovery

KSHV was first identified in 1994 in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions of AIDS patients by Chang, Moore and colleagues. The discovery was made possible by the development of representational difference analysis, a technique used to subtract the genetic material of healthy cells from the genetic material of tumor cells.

Transmission

KSHV is not highly contagious, but it can be transmitted. The virus is believed to be transmitted through saliva. It can also be transmitted through organ transplantation and blood transfusion.

Diseases

KSHV is known to cause several types of cancer, including:

• Kaposi's sarcoma: A type of cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, in lymph nodes, or in other organs.
• Primary effusion lymphoma: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects body cavities like the space around the lungs or the abdomen.
• Multicentric Castleman's disease: A rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by fever, weight loss, anemia, and night sweats.

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent KSHV infection. Treatment for diseases caused by KSHV includes antiviral therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

See Also

• Herpesviridae
• Oncovirus

References

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