Infection caused by human herpesvirus type 8: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) - herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, was identified by molecular cloning using Kaposi's sarcoma tissues.
HHV-8 in morphology, structure and functions is classified as a subfamily of y-herpes viruses of the radonovirus genus. It has been established that HHV-8 is associated with all types of Kaposi's sarcoma, including endemic in Africans, classical in the elderly of the Mediterranean and transplant-related.
[Epidemiology of an infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8
Human herpesvirus type 8 is widely distributed in the population; More than 25% of the adult population and 90% of those infected with HIV have antibodies to HHV-8. High levels of the incidence of classical Kaposi's sarcoma have been identified in African countries, especially the Central; low - in the US, Japan and in some northern European countries, medium - in most Mediterranean countries. It is established that for 3-10 years the development of Kaposi's sarcoma is preceded by infection caused by HHV-8. 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 labor or after childbirth. The highest concentration of the virus is noted in saliva.
Pathogenesis of an infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8
HHV-8 infects primarily lymphocytes, associated with cell transformation and immortalization. HHV-8 is associated with the development of some B-cell lymphomas, angioimmunoblastoid lymphadenopathy, Castleman's disease and a number of other lymphoproliferative diseases.
Symptoms of an infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8
Primary infection of HHV-8 occurs without any symptoms. The manifestation of Kaposi's sarcoma on the background of immunosuppression is manifested by characteristic vascular crimson nodules, which can appear on the skin or on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The disease affects the lungs, the bile excretory system. Other bodies. The classical form is manifested in the form of localized nodes of brownish-red, cyanotic-red color with localization predominantly on the skin of the lower limbs.
Diagnosis of an infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8
Diagnosis of infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8 predominantly uses serological tests (ELISA, immunoblotting) and PCR.
What tests are needed?
Treatment of an infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8
Treatment of an infection caused by the human herpesvirus type 8 virus consists in the appointment of chemotherapy, surgical and radiation treatment.