Herpes Type 8 - is an infection that is associated with Kaposi Sarcoma - a full recovery possible   Sarcoma. That is, the presence in the body of the infection is a predisposing factor for the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, but only if the patient suffers from immunodeficiency. In people with normal immunity Immunity - types and characteristics in children in adults   HHV-8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma.

The herpes virus type 8

HHV-8 was opened in 1994 in the United States during the study of HIV infection among homosexual men. HHV-8 is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, that is a risk factor for Kaposi's sarcoma, when a person is infected with HIV and suffering from immunosuppression or immune deficiency developed against the background of long-term treatment, lowers immunity (eg, cancer patients). In healthy people, herpes type 8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma.

The virus has a special gene that disrupts the synthesis of cell proteins, opposing the formation of cancer cells, therefore, contributes to Kaposi's sarcoma - a malignant tumor Malignant tumor: cells are mad   vessels. HHV-8 is divided into three variants A, B and C - they differ in different DNA structure and cause different forms of Kaposi's sarcoma.

How is infection with herpes virus type 8

HHV-8 is not distributed as widely as other types of pathogens of herpes infection. Furthermore it is common in tropical countries, especially in Africa.

The main route of transmission of the infection - sexual, since viruses are abundantly present in the mucous membranes of the genitals. But pathogens are also present in the saliva of infected people, so dangerous kisses and too close contact.

It is also possible transmission of infection through blood, most often this happens when you use a syringe for injection into a vein of drugs to different people. Finally, it is possible (though rare) transmission from mother to child during pregnancy.

How does Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma - a multifocal malignant tumor of vascular origin. The disease develops most often in gay men and affects the skin, lymph nodes and internal organs. There are four forms of Kaposi's sarcoma: classic, African, immuno-suppressive and AIDS-related.

Variant A herpes virus type 8 is usually associated with the classical and AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma shape, and with lesions of the skin and internal organs. Options B and C are associated with lymphoproliferative diseases - lymphoma, generalized lymphadenopathy, Castleman's disease.

The classical form of Kaposi Kaproshi developing long, for years. In the feet, the side surfaces of the lower leg, on the skin of the hands, sometimes - on the mucous membranes and eyelids. Characteristically symmetrical arrangement and clear lines of foci of infection, in which often develops burning and itching of the skin. In the course of the disease there are three phases:

• Spotted phase - the earliest; spots on the skin no more than 5 mm in a dark color;
• papular phase - become elements of rash papular character, spherical, dense elastic consistency and the size of up to 1 cm in diameter; sometimes they merge, forming a smooth or slightly rough plaques;
• Tumor phase - forming one or more nodes bluish red color with a diameter of 5 mm; node soft to the touch and merge with each other and ulcerate.

In AIDS patients suffering from immunodeficiency and infection with the human herpes virus infection such as Kaposi's sarcoma 8 runs hard. Get sick more often young men. The first sign of the disease is the appearance of the mouth and rashes on the sky bubble deep red color, containing clotted blood. Then the affected skin of the upper half of the body, hands and face. Sometimes, characteristic changes appear on the genitals. Patients thus drastically lose weight, become lethargic, irritable, sleep poorly. Then, increase the lymph nodes, the body temperature rises. The process involves the lymph nodes and internal organs.

The African form of Kaposi's sarcoma affects children, mostly Africans. Mainly affects lymph nodes Lymph nodes - what keeps our immune system   and internal organs.

Immuno-suppressive form of disease develops after kidney transplantation and held in front of this immunosuppression. It is prolonged and benign.

Diagnosis and treatment of herpes virus infections such as 8

To diagnose the disease are methods of PCR (DNA detected pathogen), IFA (detected antibodies to viruses).

Treatment of Herpes type 8 - is, primarily, the treatment of underlying disease (e.g., AIDS), it leads to a resorption of Kaposi's sarcoma. They are also used drugs that restore the immune system, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Galina Romanenko

Zovirax - the name under which the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome Opereyshens (UK) releases the antiviral drug acyclovir Acyclovir - as it is safe?   in different medicinal forms: tablets of 200 mg, as a powder in vials for injection, ophthalmic ointment 3% and 5% cream.

Mechanism of action

Zovirax (INN - acyclovir) - an antiviral drug that is used for treatment of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs caused by the herpes virus. It is active against herpes simplex virus type I and II, herpes viruses that cause chickenpox and shingles Ringworm - not only infectious disease , Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus.

The mechanism of action is based on the Zovirax that when released into the tissue it activates an enzyme that is released for virus cells (thymidine kinase). Activated Zovirax quickly penetrates the infected cells embedded in the DNA of viruses and prevents their reproduction. In healthy cells penetrate Zovirax can not - that's why it has a minimum of side effects and contraindications for use.

When applying inwardly Zovirax partially absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted in the faeces partly. Once in the blood it enters the tissue, and then part of it is decomposed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys and is excreted as intact through the kidneys. Zovirax as an eye ointment and cream partially absorbed into the blood, but has no systemic action.

Indications and contraindications for use

Zovirax is used in pill form:

• for the treatment of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, herpes simplex virus types I and II, including genital herpes;
• to prevent relapse of infections caused by herpes simplex virus types I and II patients with normal immunity;
• for the prevention of herpetic lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type I and II patients immunocompromised;
• for the treatment of infections caused by the varicella-zoster;
• for the treatment of patients with severely impaired immune system (AIDS, transplant bone marrow transplant of internal organs, radiation therapy for cancer, and so on).

Zovirax as a solution for injection is used for intravenous drip when herpetic lesions of the internal organs and the central nervous system.

Zovirax as a 5% cream is recommended for the treatment of herpes on the lips and face, as well as for the treatment of herpetic lesions of genital organs, 3% ophthalmic ointment Zovirax - for the treatment of herpetic eye disease.

Contraindications for use Zovirax are hypersensitivity to the drug. Precautions Zovirax prescribe in dehydration, kidney damage, pregnancy and breast-feeding (Zovirax excreted in breast milk). During pregnancy, Zovirax can be used, but only on prescription. In chronic renal failure are encouraged to nominate individually chosen (below the) dose.

Side effect

Zovirax drug is not toxic, it is generally well tolerated, however, side effects are:

• the part of the digestive system - the discomfort and pain in the abdomen Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms , Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• from the liver - a reversible disruption of the liver, which is manifested in the change of biochemical parameters;
• from the blood - decrease in the number of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia - leads to decreased immunity), platelets (thrombocytopenia - leads to increased bleeding);
• by the kidneys and urinary tract - disorders of the urinary system, sometimes in an acute form;
• the central nervous system (CNS), - headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, coma; often all side effects occur in patients with central nervous system disorders of the kidney, which took Zovirax in doses exceeding recommended;
• allergic reactions - different kind of skin rash, angioedema, anaphylactic shock;
• In addition, you may experience fatigue and hair loss (even over the head).

Zovirax - time-proven antiviral drug, which has few side effects. However, the use Zovirax Zovirax - time-proven antiviral drug   Tablets can only be prescribed by a doctor. Separate use Zovirax is allowed only in the form of a cream for treating lesions of the lips and face, and the treatment is recommended to start as early as possible, before it will appear the characteristic elements of the rash.

Galina Romanenko