ABSENCE OF HUMAN-HERPESVIRUS-8 DNA-SEQUENCES IN VASCULAR TUMORS OF THE LIVER

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV), also designated human herpesvirus 8 (HHVs), has been detected consistently in Kaposi's sarc oma, body cavity lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease, both i n human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and -negative patients. Identification of KSHV/HHV8 DNA sequences in various benign and malign ant vascular tumors in HIV-negative patients was reported in one study , but was not confirmed in several other studies. The vascular lesions , other than Kaposi's sarcoma, in which sequences could not be detecte d have included malignant vascular tumors of serous membranes, infanti le capillary hemangiomas, and several benign and malignant vascular tu mors of the spleen. We studied 30 primary benign and malignant vascula r tumors of the liver; KSHV/HHV8 DNA sequences could not be detected i n any. We conclude that this virus plays no role in the etiology of va scular tumors of the liver.