What Kinds of Viruses Can Cause AIDS Malignancies?
Advertisement • KS is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). This virus is sometimes called Kaposis sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The virus is likely transmitted through saliva. Fortunately, the number of cases of KS has decreased dramatically since the introduction of potent anti-HIV therapy. • Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus also can cause genital and oral warts. It is spread by contact with infected areas of the body. Some forms of this virus are low-risk for cancer (like HPV-6 and HPV-11) while other forms are high-risk for cancer (HPV-16 and HPV-18). Women should get regular Pap tests to detect any cell abnormalities (dysplasia) that may be caused by this virus and may indicate the beginnings of cancer. This same virus causes anal cancer. Some HIV-treating physicians are using the Pap test to screen for anal cancer in men and women. Successful anti-HIV therapy helps reduce, but does not eliminate, the risk of cervica
