Herpesvirus-like DNA Sequences in Non-AIDS Kaposi's Sarcoma

The pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is suggested to be related to an infectious agent transmitted by sexual contact. Recently, DNA sequences homologous to γ herpesviridae have been identified in AIDS-associated KS, but no information is available concerning non-AIDS-associated KS. Five classic, 12 endemic, and 17 AIDS-associated KS skin lesion specimens were analyzed and all were positive for these novel DNA sequences. Twenty-four specimens from normal skin were negative. These novel sequences were also found in lymph nodes from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with AIDS or lymphadenopathy syndrome but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal subjects. Therefore, the data support the view that a novel γ herpesvirus might be specifically associated with KS etiopathogenesis.