The prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 genotypes in Kaposi's sarcoma in Iran by using molecular technique

In the Mediterranean region، Kaposi''s sarcoma (KS) has a high prevalence especially in patients with AIDS. Iran is located close to the Mediterranean region and the HIV prevalence is increasing in our country. In some stages، Kaposi''s sarcoma is morphologically similar to other vascular tumors. Owing to the presence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in all cases of Kaposi''s sarcoma، detection of virus DNA by PCR method can help in the identification of non-diagnostic cases. Moreover، the prevalence of HHV-8 genotypes is different in various regions of the world and in different races. There are limited studies performed on the HHV-8 genotypes in Iranian population. Patients with Kaposi''s sarcoma from 2001 to 2011 who refer to Tehran Razi Hospital were enrolled in this study. HHV-8 DNA was extracted from paraffin blocks and amplification of the virus genome was performed by PCR method. Finally، the target DNA fragment was used for sequencing and genotype determination. PCR was performed on 53 cases. In 8 cases with suspicious morphology، PCR was negative and they were excluded from study. Of remaining 45 cases، 35 had positive PCR results، 7 had negative results and 3 had low PCR product. Samples from 28 cases that had positive PCR results، which were acceptable for genotyping، were chosen for sequencing. Twenty cases had genotype C، 7 cases had genotype A and one case was negative. The results are consistent with other studies in our geographical area. No correlation was found between the different microscopic stages and HHV-8 Genotypes. Since the HHV-8 is obtained in almost 100% of KS lesions and PCR s ensitivity in detection of the virus is close to 100 %، KS diagnosis can be confirmed in suspicious cases by detection of HHV-8 DNA on paraffin blocks. Moreover the prevalence of HHV-8 genotype was determined in Iran.