The fight against Kaposi's sarcoma in aids - Lessons from Brazil

This article presents a brief review on 'epidemic' Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), an AIDS-defining illness, and laboratory data obtained by a group of researchers from So Paulo, Brazil, concerning the aetiological agent of KS (human herpesvirus 8, HHV-8). Brazil earned international acclaim in the fight against AIDS, providing universal free access to antiretroviral treatment for all patients and promoting education programmes for blocking virus transmission/acquisition. Drawing on her experience, the author suggests the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to combat AIDS and KS in countries where both diseases are epidemic. The lessons learned by Brazil, a developing country, and the techniques used there might help sub-Saharan countries to fight HIV and KS/AIDS, decreasing morbidity and mortality in these geographical regions.