Human Herpesvirus-8

Abstract

DNA sequence of novel herpesvirus was recently discovered in biopsy samples of AIDS-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma. HHV-8 was also found in classic, endemic, as well as AIDS-associated KS biopsies suggesting that this viral agent might be associated with immuno-defiency in general. HHV-8 has already been tentatively associated with two diseases, KS and AIDS-related body-cavity-based lymphoma. Available DNA sequence analyses shows that HHV-8 has a high degree of homology, with HVS and EBV, members of the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily