Pathology · single question
Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common malignancy seen as a complication of AIDS. Which organism is responsible?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)
- A. EBV is associated with hairy leukoplakia, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in immunocompromised patients — not Kaposi's sarcoma.
- B. HPV (especially HPV 16, 18) is associated with oropharyngeal cancer and cervical cancer — not Kaposi's sarcoma.
- C. CMV causes opportunistic infections in AIDS (retinitis, colitis, pneumonitis) but not Kaposi's sarcoma.
- D. Correct. Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by HHV-8 (human herpesvirus 8, also called Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/KSHV). In AIDS patients, immunosuppression allows HHV-8 to cause this vascular neoplasm.