HERPESVIRUS-LIKE DNA-SEQUENCES IN NON-AIDS KAPOSIS-SARCOMA

The pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is suggested to be related t o an infectious agent transmitted by sexual contact, Recently, DNA seq uences homologous to gamma herpesviridae have been identified in AIDS- associated KS, but no information is available concerning non-AIDS-ass ociated KS. Five classic, 12 endemic, and 17 AIDS-associated KS skin l esion specimens were analyzed and all were positive for these novel DN A sequences. Twenty-four specimens from normal skin were negative. The se novel sequences were also found in lymph nodes from human immunodef iciency virus-positive patients with AIDS or lymphadenopathy syndrome but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal subjects, Th erefore, the data support the view that a novel gamma herpesvirus migh t be specifically associated with KS etiopathogenesis.