Herpes virus type 8 (HHV8) - viral load

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Eurofins Biomnis code

HV8Q

Synonyms
  • HHV-8 - molecular diagnosis
  • HHV8 - PCR
  • KSHV - PCR
Specialty

Infectious


Clinical significance

HHV8 is a virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its distribution follows a North-South gradient. Transmission is salivary in high-prevalence countries, with primary infection occurring in childhood. In low-prevalence countries, primary infection occurs in adulthood through sexual transmission. Primary infection is asymptomatic and usually remains unrecognised. The pathogenesis of HHV8 is based on its oncogenic nature. It is responsible for three tumour diseases: Kaposi's disease, Castelman's disease and primary serous lymphoma. These diseases most often occur in the context of immunodepression. Diagnosis is based on the macroscopic appearance of the lesions, testing for the HHV8 genome in blood, biopsies or biological fluids of interest, and histological analysis of the lesions. Testing for the HHV8 genome in blood can be negative in Kaposi's disease.

Preanalytics
  • A tube specifically for this analysis : No
Further information

The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.

Documents to download

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

6 days


Testing Laboratory

Biomnis Lyon