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Infection caused by human herpes virus type 8: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8), a herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, was identified by molecular cloning using Kaposi's sarcoma tissues.
HHV-8 is classified as a subfamily of y-herpes viruses of the genus rhadinovirus based on its morphology, structure, and functions. HHV-8 has been found to be associated with all types of Kaposi's sarcoma, including endemic in Africans, classical in elderly Mediterraneans, and transplant-associated.
[ Epidemiology of Human Herpes Virus Type 8 Infection
Human herpes virus type 8 is widespread in the population; more than 25% of the adult population and 90% of HIV-infected people have antibodies to HHV-8. High incidence rates of classical Kaposi's sarcoma have been found in African countries, especially Central Africa; low rates in the USA, Japan and some northern European countries, and average rates in most Mediterranean countries. It has been established that the development of Kaposi's sarcoma is preceded by an infection with HHV-8 by 3-10 years. The virus is transmitted sexually. In addition, the virus can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus. Most often, HHV-8 is transmitted mainly during childbirth or after childbirth. The highest concentration of the virus is noted in saliva.
Pathogenesis of infection caused by human herpes virus type 8
HHV-8 primarily infects lymphocytes and is associated with cellular transformation and immortalization. HHV-8 is associated with the development of some B-cell lymphomas, angioimmunoblastoid lymphadenopathy, Castleman disease, and a number of other lymphoproliferative disorders.
Symptoms of Human Herpes Virus Type 8 Infection
Primary HHV-8 infection is asymptomatic . Manifestation of Kaposi's sarcoma against the background of immunosuppression is manifested by characteristic vascular purple nodules that can appear on the skin or on the oral mucosa. The disease affects the lungs, biliary system and other organs. The classic form manifests itself in the form of localized nodes of brown-red, bluish-red color with localization mainly on the skin of the lower extremities.
What tests are needed?
Treatment of infection caused by human herpes virus type 8
Treatment for infection caused by human herpes virus type 8 involves chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.