Human Herpes Viruses Flashcards
Which virus is responsible for Kaposi’s Sarcoma?
HHV 8
what is Kaposi’s sarcoma?
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a connective tissue cancer caused by human herpes virus 8.
it is a neoplasm of endothelial cells….
The malignant lesion is characterised by neoplastic cells and abnormally growing blood vessels.
what are the risk factors for Kaposi’s sarcoma?
Gender - men are more often affected.
Ethnicity - Caucasian men and those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or African origin.
Men who have sex with men.
Immune deficiency - eg post-transplant or HIV infection.
Being a spouse of a patient with KS is a risk factor for HHV8 seropositivity.
Positive risk factors for classical KS also include non-smoking, diabetes and oral corticosteroids.
presentation of HHV-8?
and describe the locations of these lesions?
Skin lesions may be nodular, papular or blotchy; they may be red, purple, brown or black.
Lesions can also be seen under or on mucous membranes, with similar characteristics.
The most common sites include the mouth, nose and throat.
Usually painless - but may become painful if inflamed or swollen.
Lesions may also involve internal organs, eg lungs (leading to dyspnoea), gastrointestinal tract (it can cause fatal bleeding) and lymphatics, resulting in lymphoedema.[7]
There may be superimposed bacterial infection.
The tumour may disseminate in transplant recipients.
Very rarely, lesions at the oesophagus or respiratory tract may lead to obstruction.
types of kaposi sarcoma?
what ethnicities are at higher risk?
Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) - rare; progresses slowly over years and tends to affect elderly men of Mediterranean or Jewish origin.
Endemic or African KS - affects young adult men who live near the African equator and have a normal immune system. Reported to occur in up to 9% of Ugandan men. In some, KS can be aggressive with rapid spread. Children can also be affected with a form that invades the lymphatics and lymph nodes but not the skin. This is associated with spread to other organs and is usually fatal.
what treatments are available for kaposi?
no cure- palliative
treat underlying cause eg immunosuppression
HAART
if only a few lesions—> cryotherapy, surgery
if systemic infection–> antineoplastics eg….interferon - alpha
