HHV8 status in Kaposi's sarcoma associated with multiple myeloma

Kaposi's sarcoma in its sporadic or HIV-related form is due to a gamma herp esvirus, the human herpes virus 8 (HHV8). No data have been published on th e potential role of the HHV8 in Kaposi's sarcoma occurring in multiple myel oma patients, A case is reported of a patient in whom four serum samples ta ken between the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the occurrence of a Kapos i's sarcoma one year later tested positive for antibody to the HHV8. Simila r findings have been reported in patients with other types of Kaposi's sarc oma, PCR studies for HHV8 DNA were positive on a Kaposi's sarcoma biopsy bu t negative on a bone biopsy, militating against a role for the HHV8 in the genesis of multiple myeloma.