Herpesvirus-like DNA sequences in Japanese patients with AIDS-related kaposi's sarcoma

The cause and origin of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) remain an enigma. Recently, Chang et al. reported a DNA fragment resembling human gamma herpesvirus that was specifically associated with KS tissue. In this paper, we report examination of three Japanese patients for presence of the KS-associated herpesvirus-like (KSHV) sequences. KSHV sequences were present in two of these patients, but could not be confirmed in the third because of DNA degradation. The KSHV sequences appeared to be present mainly in those tissues with KS invasion. Our results further demonstrate the presence of KSHV in KS lesions and support its role in the pathogenesis of KS.