Cancerbackup: Causes

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Causes of Kaposi's sarcoma

Most Kaposi's sarcoma is now believed to be caused by a virus called Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8), which is also known as Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV). It can affect people with a weakened immune system, including people with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Aids.

HHV8 is mainly spread through saliva, but can also be spread in blood and semen, or from a mother to her unborn child. The virus can be passed on through sexual contact, kissing, blood transfusions and organ transplantation.



Content last reviewed: 01 June 2006
Page last modified: 21 August 2008

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