Abstract: Objective To investigate the localization of human herpesvirus (HHV-8) in lesions of Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) and explore the role of HHV-8 in the pathogenesis of KS in Xinjiang. Methods HHV-8 DNA was detected by fluorescence in situ polymerase chain reaction. A total of 40 paraffin-embeded specimens were studied, including 20 KS lesions (12 nodular, 6 plaque and 2 patch lesions) and 20 non-KS lesions (18 dermatofibroma and 2 hemangioma). Results HHV-8 DNA was detected in 17 (85%) of 20 KS lesions and none in non-KS lesions (P<0.001). Positive signals for HHV-8 were demonstrated in the nuclei of spindle-shaped tumor cells and endothelial cells. In addition, HHV-8 DNA were also present in epidermal keratinocytes, however, the intensity of fluorescent signals was weaker than that in spindle-shaped tumor cells and endothelial cells. Conclusion The result of this study suggests that HHV-8 may play a role in the pathogenesis of KS.

Key words: Sarcoma,Kaposi, Herpesvirus,Kaposi sarcoma associated, Fluorescence in situ polymerase chain reaction