Human Herpesvirus 8, aka Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) (1) (2)
Associated Cancer: HHV8 primarily causes Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), a type of cancer that affects the skin and soft organs. HHV8 is also associated with several blood disorders.
Prevalence: HHV8 is uncommon in most of the world, only 1-5% of people in North America and Northern Europe are infected. Mediterranean populations have a higher infection rate (5-20%) and Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate (>60%). In the U.S., gay men also have a higher infection rate (~40%).
Transmission: HHV8 is most commonly spread through sexual contact and via saliva. Transmission also may occur via organ transplantation or blood transfusion.
Infection: HHV8 infects B cells, epithelial cells, endothelial cells and possibly monocytes. HHV8 infection is high in populations with high incidence of KS and low in populations with low incidence of KS.
Carcinogenic Potential: HHV8 DNA is found in all cases of KS, but infection is not enough to cause cancer. The exact method by which HH8V induces cancer is still under investigation. KS probably starts as an inflammatory process to which circulating cells (including HHV8 infected cells) are recruited, leading to further inflammation, tissue damage, and viral infection. HHV8 then establishes a persistent infection which may send signals promoting angiogenesis and inflammation. This cycle may ultimately lead to tumor development. Untreated AIDS confers a 20,000 fold higher risk of developing KS, but other than immunosuppression the role of AIDS is generally unknown.
Kaposi's Sarcoma - Image Courtesy NCI
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