Pathology · single question
An HIV-positive patient presents with a purple lesion on the tongue. Which organism is responsible?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)
- A. HBV causes liver disease — it is not associated with oral purple lesions.
- B. EBV causes hairy leukoplakia (white corrugated lesion on lateral tongue) in HIV patients — NOT purple lesions.
- C. HSV causes painful ulcers — not purple pigmented lesions.
- D. HHV-8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) causes KAPOSI'S SARCOMA, which presents as purple/violaceous macules, papules, or nodules on the palate, gingiva, or tongue in HIV-positive patients. It is the most common AIDS-defining malignancy. Purple oral lesion in HIV = Kaposi's = HHV-8.