The use of antiviral drugs in the prevention and treatment of Kaposi sarcoma, multicentric Castleman disease and primary effusion lymphoma.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)] is the most recently identified member of the human herpesvirus family. Kaposi sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman disease are all associated with KSHV infection. Although the incidence of KS has declined dramatically in areas with access to highly active antiretroviral therapy, it remains the most common AIDS-associated malignancy in the developed world and is one of the most common cancers in developing nations.

Knowledge of partners' genital herpes protects against herpes simplex virus type 2 acquisition.

Background: Prospective studies of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in discordant couples have shown a low rate of transmission. However, unlike partners with genital herpes in prospectively monitored couples, most persons who transmit genital herpes are not aware of having the infection.

Methods: Because HSV has a short incubation period and most persons who acquire genital herpes can identify the transmitting partner, a time-to-event design was used to assess risks of HSV acquisition among patients with newly acquired genital herpes.

Minimizing recurrences of genital herpes--a role for suppressive antiviral therapy.

Stress may contribute to recurrent episodes of genital herpes, which themselves cause more stress. minimizing the frequency of recurrences--or eliminating them altogether--may help to break the cycle.

Oral shedding of herpes simplex virus type 2.

Objectives: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and HSV-2 reactivate preferentially in the oral and genital area, respectively. We aimed to define frequency and characteristics associated with oral shedding of HSV-2.

Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients with documented HSV-2 infection and at least one oral viral culture obtained were selected from the University of Washington Virology Research Clinic database.