KAPOSIS SARCOMA-ASSOCIATED HERPESVIRUS IN KAPOSIS-SARCOMA OCCURRING IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED RENAL-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been implicated in the genesis of Kaposi's sarcoma and other tumors occurring in immunosu ppressed individuals. Using amplification by the polymerase chain reac tion and nucleotide sequencing of extracted DNA, we have detected the KS330(23) sequence of KSHV DNA in Kaposi's sarcoma tissue from 4 immun osuppressed renal transplant recipients. The sequences shared a greate r than 98% homology with those described in KSHV DNA from Kaposi's sar coma in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In another 2 renal transplant recipients KSHV DNA could not be detected in scar ti ssue at the site of previous Kaposi's sarcoma that had resolved after immunosuppression was discontinued and haemodialysis recommenced. Thes e findings support the hypothesis that KSHV may be the infectious agen t concerned in the genesis of Kaposi' a sarcoma.