Microbiology · Human herpesviruses
Human herpesvirus 8 !
- Virus
- Enveloped
- Exam priority: medium
A herpesvirus that causes Kaposi sarcoma, mainly in people with AIDS or after an organ transplant.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: HHV-8, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, KSHV
At a glance
- Shape
- Icosahedral with tegument and envelope
- Genome
- Linear double-stranded DNA
- Envelope
- Enveloped
- Family
- Herpesviridae (gammaherpesvirus)
- Size
- About 150 to 200 nm
Morphology
- Typical herpesvirus structure
- Present in every Kaposi sarcoma lesion
Transmission
- Mainly saliva
- Sexual contact, transplantation and transfusion
Reservoir: Humans
Isolation precautions
What the care team adds to standard precautions.
- Standard
Virulence factors
- Lifelong latency in B cells and endothelial cells
- Viral genes that mimic growth factors and block apoptosis, driving vascular proliferation
- Most carriers never fall ill: immunosuppression is needed
Diseases it causes
- Kaposi sarcoma (classic, endemic, AIDS-related and transplant-related) Kaposi sarcoma →
- Primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman disease
Clinical picture
- Purple patches, plaques or nodules on skin and mucosa
- Internal lesions in the gut and lungs, which can bleed
- Classic form: older men, slow lesions on the legs
Diagnosis
- Biopsy: spindle cells and vascular slits with extravasated red cells
- Immunohistochemistry for the HHV-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA)
- Endoscopy or bronchoscopy for internal lesions
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral against HHV-8. In AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma the backbone is antiretroviral therapy, with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or local treatment added by extent. In transplant recipients immunosuppression is reduced when possible.
Drug class only; doses and regimens are set by the clinician from the current guideline.
Prevention
- HIV control with antiretroviral therapy
- Standard precautions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which virus causes Kaposi sarcoma?
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), a gammaherpesvirus.
What is the backbone of treatment in AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma?
Antiretroviral therapy, which restores immunity and often shrinks the lesions.
What does a Kaposi sarcoma biopsy show?
A proliferation of spindle cells with vascular slits and extravasated red blood cells.
Related
Related conditions
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Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Kaposi sarcoma (MedlinePlus (NLM), 2024); Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version (National Cancer Institute, 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.