Etiology of endemic Kaposi's sarcoma. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Etiology of endemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

IARC Sci Publ. 1984;(63):543-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85259972
Olweny CL

Abstract: The exact etiology of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) remains unknown. Certain observed features suggest a possible viral etiology, including: (a) the spontaneous regression of indolent forms; (b) the frequent occurrence of second primary malignancies; (c) the multifocal nature of KS. Electron microscopic studies have revealed herpesvirus-type particles which morphologically resemble cytomegalovirus (CMV). Sera from KS patients in Europe and America have higher anti-CMV antibodies than controls, in contrast to African patients, whose CMV antibody titres are not significantly different from those of controls. This difference may be related to the high background of CMV antibody in the general African population. Nucleic acid hybridization studies have revealed CMV DNA in some African KS tissue. The possible role of human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV) in the causation of KS is discussed in the light of recent evidence of its association with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Similarly, the possible predisposing role of HLA-DR5 in patients with AIDS and KS is considered.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS Human HTLV-BLV Viruses Sarcoma, Kaposi's/CLASSIFICATION/*ETIOLOGY/GENETICS/MICROBIOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/complicationshumanhtlv-blvvirusessarcoma,kaposi's/classification/KWDetiology/genetics/microbiologyjournalarticle
851130
M85B0202

Copyright © 1985 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1985. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .