What is the causative virus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma?

The causative virus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma is Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). This virus is a member of the herpesvirus family and is specifically linked to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, which is a neoplasm that presents with vascular lesions. HHV8 is often associated with immunocompromised states, particularly in individuals infected with HIV, leading to a higher incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma in those cases.

Kaposi's sarcoma manifests as purplish lesions on the skin and can affect mucosal surfaces and internal organs. The link between HHV8 and Kaposi's sarcoma is particularly significant in AIDS-associated cases, where the immune system is severely compromised, allowing the virus to lead to tumor formation.

In contrast, while Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does contribute to the risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma due to its role in immunosuppression, it is not directly the causative agent of the disease. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) are unrelated to Kaposi's sarcoma and are known for other associations, such as HPV's connection to cervical cancer and CMV's role in congenital infections