title: Molecular and immunohistochemical detection of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8.
abstract: Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8 (KSHV/HHV-8) is etiologically related to the development of several human diseases, including Kaposi sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL)/extra-cavitary (EC) PEL, multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), and large B-cell lymphoma arising in KSHV/HHV-8-associated multicentric Castleman disease. Although serologic studies can identify persons infected with this virus, molecular genetics, specifically PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and immunohistochemical techniques, are rapid, sensitive, and specific, and are able to more closely link KSHV/HHV-8 to a given disease process. As these KSHV/HHV-8-related diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in affected individuals, the identification of the virus within lesional tissue will allow for more targeted therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chadburn
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Y Lynn
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology*