Prevalence of human herpesvirus‐8 in skin lesions

Abstract

A putative new herpesvirus, designated Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) was recently identified in AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. The DNA sequence of the virus is homologous to the gamma-herpesviruses such as herpesvirus Saimiri or Epstein-Barr virus, both of which are tumorigenic, suggesting that this new virus may also be oncogenic. Thus, we determined whether the virus is present in other skin lesions. DNA samples from 118 skin specimens were tested for the HHV-8 sequence by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization. The sequences were detected in 13 of 21 samples from Bowen's disease, three of 11 squamous cell carcinomas, three of 11 actinic keratoses, three of seven leucoplakia, one of six from Paget's disease, one of 12 malignant melanoma, one of seven neurofibromas, two of seven chronic dermatites and one of 14 normal skin samples. On sequencing the PCR products, new mutation points were detected. These results suggest that the virus is associated with lesions other than Kaposi's sarcoma and may be more widespread than expected (with a latent level too low to be detected), like the other herpesviruses. Some lesions. e.g. in Bowen's disease or squamous cell carcinoma, may be locally immunosuppressed, allowing the virus to replicate until the copy number is sufficient for detection.

Spectrum of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus, or Human Herpesvirus 8, Diseases

“…A lower frequency, 16.7%, was found in those who developed extramammary Paget's disease, in both proliferative and nonproliferative lesions (133,237). Similar associations were reported by a second group (216). These studies suggested that HHV-8 infection may increase the likelihood of proliferative skin disease.…”

Prevalence of Human Herpesvirus 8 Infection Measured by Antibodies to a Latent Nuclear Antigen in Patients With Various Dermatologic Diseases

“…Previous studies based on findings of polymerase chain reaction suggest that HHV-8 could be implicated in the pathogenesis of epithelial tumors of the skin. 3,6 However, these results have not been confirmed by other reports. 7,8 Concerning the role of HHV-8 in lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin, one study reported the presence of HHV-8 DNA sequences in 7 of 48 cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including 2 cases of mycosis fungoides, 2 peripheral T-cell lymphomas, 2 cases of parapsoriasis en plaque, and 1 lymphomatoid papulosis.…”

“…Some authors report that HHV-8 may be found in other dermatologic diseases, such as epithelial tumors, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, or pemphigus vulgaris, and that HHV-8 could be a widespread virus reactivated in some tumoral or immunological conditions. [3][4][5][6] However, we and others [7][8][9][10][11] have not confirmed the presence of HHV-8 in lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin or in epithelial tumors either in immunocompetent or immunosuppressed patients. Such discrepancies could reflect the variation of the distribution of HHV-8 infection by geographical area.…”

Prevalência do herpes-vírus humano tipo 1 em neoplasias cutâneas epiteliais malignas

“…A relação de alguns deles com neoplasias está bem estabelecida, como no caso de Epstein-Barr vírus (EBV) e HHV tipo 8. 13,14 Outros HHV já foram relacionados, com significân-cia variável, a determinadas neoplasias (Quadro 1). 14,15 Ainda que não exista comprovação experimental da oncogenia do HHV tipo 1 (HHV1) na pele, algumas evidências sugerem sua participação em neoplasias cutâneas, atuando como co-carcinógeno na inativação de genes supressores tumorais, interferindo no ciclo celular e nos mecanismos de reparação do DNA.…”

“…13,14 Outros HHV já foram relacionados, com significân-cia variável, a determinadas neoplasias (Quadro 1). 14,15 Ainda que não exista comprovação experimental da oncogenia do HHV tipo 1 (HHV1) na pele, algumas evidências sugerem sua participação em neoplasias cutâneas, atuando como co-carcinógeno na inativação de genes supressores tumorais, interferindo no ciclo celular e nos mecanismos de reparação do DNA. 2 Alguns autores têm feito descrições clínicas de sua participação em carcinoma bucal, carcinoma cutâ-neo epidermoide, micose fungoide, carcinoma de cabeça e pescoço e carcinoma de colo de útero.…”