Chronic human herpes virus 8 infection successfully treated with valganciclovir

World Allergy Organ J. 2009 Jul;2(7):128-9. doi: 10.1097/WOX.0b013e3181abe7b6.

Abstract

Background: : A 57 year old Italian female with a 3 year history of constituitional symptoms with non-HIV Kaposi sarcoma was referred to the immunology clinic. She was previously diagnosed with chronic human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) infection with positive HHV8 polymerase chain reaction in serum.

Objective: : Is valganciclovir effective in treating chronic human herpes virus 8 infection without Multicentric Castleman's Disease (MCD)?

Results: : She was started on valganciclovir, resulting in remission of her symptoms, improvement in inflammatory markers and clearing of detectable HHV8 viraemia

Conclusion: : Valganciclovir is effective in treating symptomatic HHV8 infections without MCD.