Abstract
Herpesvirus-like DNA sequences (KSHV/HHV-8) have recently been described in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions. Many questions remain regarding the role of this virus in KS and the therapeutic implications of this finding. In the current study, KSHV/HHV-8 DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with KS (34/98) more often than in HIV-infected individuals without KS (12/64, P = .03). The detection of KSHV/HHV-8 DNA did not correlate with the CD4 lymphocyte count. Five patients demonstrated KSHV/HHV-8 DNA in their PBMCs during administration of intravenous foscarnet and/or ganciclovir. The continued detection of KSHV/HHV-8 DNA in the PBMCs of patients receiving these anti-herpesvirus drugs has potential implications regarding the virus-cell relationship of KSHV/HHV-8, as well as for the value of these drugs in treating or preventing KS, but additional studies are needed.
MeSH terms
-
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
-
Adult
-
Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
-
Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
-
Base Sequence
-
Blood Coagulation Disorders / blood
-
Blood Coagulation Disorders / complications
-
Cohort Studies
-
DNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
-
Female
-
Foscarnet / pharmacology
-
Foscarnet / therapeutic use
-
Ganciclovir / pharmacology
-
Ganciclovir / therapeutic use
-
HIV Seronegativity
-
Herpesviridae / drug effects
-
Herpesviridae / isolation & purification*
-
Herpesviridae Infections / blood
-
Herpesviridae Infections / drug therapy
-
Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
-
Herpesviridae Infections / virology*
-
Homosexuality
-
Humans
-
Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology*
-
Male
-
Molecular Sequence Data
-
Prevalence
-
Risk Factors
-
Sarcoma, Kaposi / etiology
-
Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology
-
Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology*
-
Skin Neoplasms / etiology
-
Skin Neoplasms / pathology
-
Skin Neoplasms / virology*
Substances
-
Antiviral Agents
-
DNA, Viral
-
Foscarnet
-
Ganciclovir