Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a tumor caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, KSHV). About
20% of HIV patients develop Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions in the oral
cavity while other patients never develop oral KS. It is not known if the oral
micro environment plays a role in oral KS tumor development.
Xiaolan and colleagues from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio demonstrated
that a group of metabolic by-products (short chain fatty acids), from bacteria
that cause periodontal disease (Porphyromonas
gingivalis and Fusobacterium
nucleatum) promote lytic replication of KSHV. These new findings provide
mechanistic support that periodontal pathogens create a unique micro environment
in the oral cavity that contributes to KSHV replication and development of oral
KS. However, more research is needed to find out if patients with KS suffer
more often from periodontal disease and exhibit higher levels short chain fatty
acids produced by the periodontal pathogens.
oral cavity Kaposi's sarcoma