Human Herpesvirus 8 Causes a Wide Spectrum of Disease in Liver Transplant Recipients and May be Donor Derived: Case Series and Systematic Review of an Emerging Challenge.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), also known as Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus, can cause severe disease in liver transplant (LT) recipients, be donor-derived, and present variably. We describe HHV8 disease post-LT.

Methods

HHV8 disease was identified post-LT in New South Wales (NSW), 2017-2024, and from systematic review. Reports were compared by suspected donor-derived infection (DDI) and disease manifestation, using chi-square and t-tests. Survival was investigated with Cox proportional hazards.

Results

Of 188 records, 79 publications (131 cases) were included, plus four NSW cases (n = 135). Median onset was 7 months posttransplant (IQR: 5-13), with 33% suspected DDI. After median 12 months of follow-up, 68/125 had disease remission/regression; 59/

SUBMITTER: Waller KMJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13638781 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature