Gay and bisexual men are at high risk for infection with up to 60% of gay men found to be infected with the Kaposi's Sarcoma Virus in some studies
Biotrin Human Herpes Virus 8 Products
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is HHV 8?
Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV 8) is also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpes virus or KSHV. It is the causative agent of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS), a tumour. It was first identified in 1994 when HHV 8 DNA was isolated from KS lesions. The Virus has also been associated with other lymphoproliferative disorders such as Burkitt’s lymphoma, Castleman’s disease (form of lymph node enlargement), body cavity lymphoma, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Infection with this virus is thought to be life-long, but a healthy immune system will keep the virus in check. KS occurs when someone who has been infected with KSHV becomes immunocompromised due to AIDS, old age or medical treatment.
2. How prevalent is HHV 8?
KSHV is an uncommon infection in industrialised countries such as North America/North Europe, where less than 2% of the general population is infected with the virus.
The virus is more frequent is some Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece (4-35%), while it is widespread in Africa (30-60%).
The burden of KS is high in Africa, where KS accounts for almost half of all reported cancers in certain countries including Uganda.
3. What groups are most at risk to this virus?
African populations are at risk to this virus due to the high prevalence of the virus. It is thought that infection in Africa is spread through non-sexual routes that remain poorly understood.
Gay and bisexual men are at high risk for infection with up to 60% of gay men found to be infected in some studies. Among gay men, the incidence increases with the number of sex partners. The exact reasons why gay men are at high risk for infection compared to heterosexuals remains unknown, although it has been suggested that men in general may be more susceptible to the virus and therefore more likely to transmit it to male sex partners.
HHV 8 infection is also of particular concern to individuals receiving organ transplants. Not only is there a risk of transmitting the virus from the donated organ, but recipients are immunosuppressed to avoid organ rejection and are at high risk for developing KS if they are infected. Some studies found that up to 50% of transplant recipients who are infected with HHV-6 develop KS. This can cause loss of the donated organ and be life-threatening.
4. What is Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS)?
It is a tumour caused by the Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8) in which cancerous cells, as well as abnormally growing blood vessels, form solid KS lesions in connective tissue.
KS lesions are nodules or blotches that may be red, purple, brown, or black, usually painless but sometimes painful and swollen. They most often appear under the surface of the skin or on mucous membranes, where they are only dangerous if they cause enough swelling to obstruct circulation, breathing, or eating. They may also be found in internal organs, particularly the respiratory system or gastrointestinal system; internal lesions are most commonly seen in epidemic KS, and can cause fatal bleeding.
Kaposi's sarcoma occurs when someone who has been infected with KSHV becomes immunocompromised due to AIDS, old age or medical treatment.
5. How is HHV 8 transmitted?
In African countries, infection is commonly spread through non-sexual routes that remain poorly understood. Young children can be infected (although direct transmission from mothers to their children during pregnancy is uncommon), and rates of infection can continue to increase throughout adulthood. A form of Kaposi's sarcoma occurring in young African children due to this infection is almost uniformly and rapidly fatal.
Infections with HHV 8 are generally asymptomatic. People infected with KSHV will asymptomatically shed the virus and caution should be used by sex partners in having unprotected sex and activities where saliva might be shared such as deep-kissing.
Unlike HIV, it is not clear whether the virus is transmitted through unprotected anal intercourse. Instead, it is likely that it is transmitted between sex partners by oral secretions (e.g. saliva).
6. How are HHV 8 infections treated?
Infection with this virus is thought to be a life-long infection, however a healthy immune system will keep the virus in check. KS or other disorders occur when someone who has been infected with HHV 8 becomes immunocompromised. The most effective treatment is treatment is of the underlying immunodeficiency.
Antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir, that target the replication of herpesviruses such as KSHV have been used to successfully prevent development of KS, although once the tumor develops these drugs are of little use.
For patients with AIDS-KS, the most effective therapy is highly active antiretroviral therapy to reduce HIV infection. AIDS patients receiving adequate anti-HIV treatment may have up to a 90% reduction in Kaposi's sarcoma occurrence.
There is no vaccination available for this virus.
|
https://web.archive.org/web/20111010032706/http://www.biotrin.com/HHV8_FAQ.html
