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 gamma 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 gamma herpesvirus might be specifically associated with KS etiopathogenesis.