Human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8, Human gammaherpesvirus ), subfamily – gammaherpesviruses . Herpes type 8 is a virus that is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma. It should be noted right away that there is no special treatment or special symptomatology for the eighth type of herpes, all treatment is reduced to the disease that was caused by this virus, as well as the symptoms themselves. Below we will talk about the features of type 8 herpesvirus, consider the diseases that it causes, and also give a list of conditions of people at risk.

GENERAL INFORMATION

HHC-8 is a relatively young phenomenon in science. Herpes simplex virus type 8 in adults was detected in the United States during a survey of an HIV-infected male of non-traditional sexual orientation. To date, there is very little knowledge about the virus, since it has recently been isolated as a subject for scientific research. The presence of the virus is combined with the onset of skin cancer – Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Human gammaherpesvirus , like other varieties of this disease, can remain in the human body in the form of a latent state. Herpetic infection is triggered and activated when the immune structure becomes suppressed. Symptoms of type 8 herpes are similar to those of Kaposi’s sarcoma – this disease affects lymphocytes. Science came to this conclusion in 1994.

However, there is still no definite scheme for healing people from a very dangerous disease. Since the herpesvirus type 8 is still at the stage of scientific study and it is possible to identify new facts of infection methods and pathologies, their main culprit being KSHV ( Kaposhi Sarkoma Herpes Virus ).

METHODS OF INFECTION AND RISK GROUPS

Herpes simplex virus type 8 is an infectious disease, which means it is contagious and the ways of transmission from person to person are very diverse.

Ways of transmission of infection:

sexual – with close contact, it is transmitted through sperm, and the virus was also found in the rectum and in the urethra;

during kisses, the saliva of the virus carrier becomes the key of infection;

intravenous drug administration is passed through a non-sterile syringe;

organ transplantation of a virus carrier donor;

during childbirth from an infected woman to a baby.

The risk group includes people:

with low immunity;

after organ transplantation;

suffering from AIDS;

have received chemotherapy;

received radiation therapy;

Herpes simplex virus type 8 is not as dangerous for a person with a normal immune system as for people with weak immunity. Being in the body of people with stable work of defense mechanisms, herpesvirus type 8 will bring absolutely no consequences. Even prenatally healthy newborns, having become infected from the mother through the placenta, are asymptomatic. But the virus can easily infect an HIV-infected baby.

WHAT DISEASES CAN BE CAUSED BY TYPE EIGHT HERPES

HHV-8 can cause the formation of oncological diseases:

Kaposi’s sarcoma;

Castleman’s disease ;

primary lymphoma.

With an extremely advanced form of these diseases, the prognosis is very unfavorable. In this connection, if there are symptoms that are similar in resemblance to tumor formations, it is imperative that you immediately contact an oncologist at the clinic.

Kaposi’s sarcoma

The study of clinical manifestations revealed that the vital activity and further activation of the eighth herpes strain is associated with the formation of Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is a numerous vascular tumor that affects mucous membranes, lymphocytes, and internal organs.

There are four types of this disease: 

Classical. With the formation of this type, the signs are expressed on the skin by the manifestation of numerous spots and formations of a tumor nature. The risk group in this case includes mainly elderly men. The affected areas have distinct boundaries without painful sensations and without itching. Life expectancy in these cases is no more than one year.

Epidemic. It is widespread in AIDS patients due to immunodeficiency. Developed formations tend to acquire pain over time. In this type of disease, the course of activity occurs quickly with a characteristic lesion of the system of internal organs.

Endemic. Mostly found in children. The course of the disease presupposes a lightning-fast development, as a rule, not exceeding three months and inevitably leads to death. This form of the disease occurs exclusively on the African continent.

Immunosuppressive . A benign neoplasm that develops in people who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long time. The first symptoms of the disease may appear several years after the start of the course of taking drugs. The manifested elements for several years can easily be unchanged and unwilling to develop and grow. The internal organ system may remain unaffected.

For the purpose of treatment, radiation therapy is carried out, antiviral drugs are prescribed, as well as drugs with antiviral and immunostimulating effects.

Castleman disease

This type of variety manifests itself in the form of an increase in lymph nodes in the subclavian and mesenteric nodes, and also manifests itself in the lungs and in the neck. There are three types of Castleman disease – these are:

the first is hyaline- vascular (HVV);

the second is plasma cell (PCV);

the third is multifocal.

The mixed version is less common. Treatment of the disease consists of surgery or radiation therapy.

Primary lymphoma

This is an oncological disease that predominantly affects the serous membranes, characterized by the concentration of fluid in the body cavities. The fluid contains tumor cells. Only chemotherapy is used to treat primary lymphoma.

Summing up, it is worth recalling that diseases caused by the human herpes virus type 8 are very dangerous and often fatal. If there is even the slightest suspicion of a problem that may be caused by this strain of herpesvirus, you should see your doctor immediately.