Kaposi’s sarcoma before and during a human immunodeficiency virus epidemic in Tanzanian children

Abstract

These observations indicate that children younger than 5 years are at high risk for developing KS, possibly reflecting low resistance to human herpesvirus (HHV) 8 infection. It is also likely that an increased susceptibility to HHV8 infection and morbidity is related to progressive immunodeficiency. The increase in AIDS PKS incidence appears to reflect a direct or indirect promoting effect of HIV on the development of KS lesions. Recognition of the high KS risk in small children warrants considerations of possible prevention measures including HIV/HHV8 vaccination and therapeutic options.