Serological testing for human herpesvirus 8
Sarmati, L.
Herpes the Journal of the Ihmf 8(3): 76-79
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0969-7667 PMID: 11867024 Document Number: 533008
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) has been identified in skin lesions of patients with Kaposi's sarcoma and is now considered a co-factor for the development of the neoplasm associated with this disease. Several laboratory tests are currently available for use in the detection of HHV-8 antibodies--immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays being the most frequently used tests. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the existence of hyperendemic regions where HHV-8 infection is ubiquitous and often acquired early in childhood. The role of HHV-8 in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma has yet to be clarified completely and data collected from the epidemiological studies of HHV-8 prevalence may be useful in gaining a better understanding of the different factors involved in tumour development.