human herpesvirus 8

(HYOO-mun HER-peez-VY-rus...) A type of herpesvirus that may cause Kaposi sarcoma (a rare cancer that can cause skin lesions) and a type of lymphoma (cancer that begins in the lymph system), especially in patients who have a weak immune system. Also called HHV8, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and KSHV.