HHV-8 infection: a model for reactivation and transmission.
The rapid pace of knowledge about HHV-8 since its discovery has been one of the most exciting aspects of medical virology in the last decade. As outlined in this review, the discovery by Drs Chang and Moore of this virus has opened up a broad field of biology with interesting contrasts between current epidemiological data for Kaposi's sarcoma and the cell biology of this gamma herpesvirus. In particular, we summarise the paucity of virological data supporting genital sites of replication and emphasise detection of HHV-8 in the oropharynx. Hopefully continued study will address many of the critical questions that exist today regarding how this infection is transmitted and acquired.
Corey
Lawrence
L
Department of Medicine, Laboratory Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Brodie
Scott
S
Huang
Meei-Li
ML
Koelle
David M
DM
Wald
Anna
A
D000818:Animals; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000821:virology; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000821:virology; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000821:virology*; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D017201:Virus Shedding