Pathology · single question
An HIV patient has a PURPLE lesion on the tongue. Which organism is responsible?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. HHV-8 (Human Herpesvirus 8)
HHV-8 (Human Herpesvirus 8) — (B) causes Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). A purple/violaceous lesion in an HIV-positive patient is classic Kaposi's Sarcoma, the most common AIDS-defining malignancy.
• KS appears as flat or raised purple/brown/red lesions on the palate (most common intraoral site), gingiva, or tongue.
• HHV-8 (Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, KSHV) causes transformation of endothelial cells.
• EBV (A): causes Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (white, corrugated, lateral tongue — NOT purple) in HIV.
• HSV (C): causes painful oral ulcers/herpes labialis — not purple plaques.
• HPV (D): causes papillomas, condylomas — flesh-colored, wart-like — not purple.
• Purple lesion in immunocompromised = KS = HHV-8. Classic board question!
• KS appears as flat or raised purple/brown/red lesions on the palate (most common intraoral site), gingiva, or tongue.
• HHV-8 (Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, KSHV) causes transformation of endothelial cells.
• EBV (A): causes Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (white, corrugated, lateral tongue — NOT purple) in HIV.
• HSV (C): causes painful oral ulcers/herpes labialis — not purple plaques.
• HPV (D): causes papillomas, condylomas — flesh-colored, wart-like — not purple.
• Purple lesion in immunocompromised = KS = HHV-8. Classic board question!