Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is a virus that can lead to serious health conditions. It’s an oncovirus, which is a virus that causes cancer. It’s also called Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).

Infections with HHV-8 usually don’t cause any symptoms. Once infected, it stays in your body forever. If you have HIV or a weakened immune system, it can lead to cancer and serious inflammatory conditions. Human herpesvirus 8 can cause:

• Kaposi sarcoma
• Primary effusion lymphoma
• Multicentric Castleman disease
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome

Scientists and healthcare providers are still learning more about HHV-8 and the conditions it causes.

Symptoms of HHV-8

HHV-8 usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. In kids or people with weakened immune systems, it sometimes causes a fever and rash. It can also sometimes cause symptoms of low blood counts, like tiredness, swollen lymph nodes and easy bruising.

How does human herpesvirus 8 spread?

Experts aren’t certain of the exact ways that HHV-8 spreads. It likely spreads through:

• Saliva (spit), like sharing food and drinks or kissing
• Sex
• Vertical transmission — from a pregnant woman to a fetus during pregnancy or birth
• Injected drug use
• Blood transfusion or organ transplant (more likely in countries where HHV-8 infections are common)

How does it cause cancer?

HHV-8 infects immune cells and epithelial cells. Like other herpesviruses, it never really goes away once you’re infected. The virus can eventually cause your cells to divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.

Risk factors

You’re at a higher risk for infection or development of HHV-8-related illnesses if you:

• Are a man who has sex with men
• Have HIV
• Are an organ transplant recipient
• Have a weakened immune system
• Use methamphetamines
• Live in or used to live in areas of the world where HHV-8 infections are most common, like sub-Saharan Africa

How doctors diagnose human herpesvirus 8

Healthcare providers don’t usually test for HHV-8 on its own. They might find an HHV-8 infection while diagnosing one of the conditions it causes. This usually happens with a biopsy or a blood test.

How is HHV-8 treated?

Healthcare providers generally only treat conditions that cause HHV-8. Treatments might include:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) if you have HIV
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy, like monoclonal antibodies
• Antiviral medications, like ganciclovir, foscarnet or cidofovir

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you have HIV or a weakened immune system, talk to your provider about preventing and quickly treating infections. They can let you know what symptoms to look out for and when to seek care.

What can I expect if I have HHV-8?

The outlook for HHV-8-related conditions depends on which one you have, how well you respond to treatments and other factors. Most people with an HHV-8 infection won’t develop cancer or other health conditions from it. Ask your provider what to expect.

Can you prevent an HHV-8 infection?

Since it’s unclear how HHV-8 spreads, there aren’t specific recommendations for preventing it. Some general guidelines include:

• Don’t share food, drinks, eating utensils or cups with other people
• Practice safe sex, like wearing a condom or dental dam during sex
• Talk to your provider about managing ongoing health conditions, like HIV, that can weaken your immune system