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== HHV-8-associated MCD ==

'''HHV-8-associated MCD''' (pronounced as H-H-V-eight-associated M-C-D), also known as '''Human Herpesvirus 8-associated Multicentric Castleman Disease''', is a rare and severe lymphoproliferative disorder. It is associated with the [[Human Herpesvirus 8]] (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).

=== Etymology ===

The term '''HHV-8-associated MCD''' is derived from the virus that causes the disease (Human Herpesvirus 8) and the type of disease it causes (Multicentric Castleman Disease). The term "multicentric" refers to the multiple lymph nodes and related tissues that are affected by the disease.

=== Definition ===

'''HHV-8-associated MCD''' is a subtype of [[Castleman Disease]] (CD), a group of rare lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by lymph node enlargement and a wide range of symptoms and clinical findings. In the case of HHV-8-associated MCD, the disease is caused by the [[Human Herpesvirus 8]] and is often seen in patients with [[HIV]] infection or other forms of immunosuppression.

=== Symptoms ===

Symptoms of '''HHV-8-associated MCD''' can vary widely but often include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Other symptoms can include lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen), and various hematological abnormalities.

=== Treatment ===

Treatment for '''HHV-8-associated MCD''' typically involves antiviral therapy to control the HHV-8 infection, along with immunomodulatory drugs to manage the symptoms of the disease. In severe cases, chemotherapy may be required.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Human Herpesvirus 8]]
* [[Castleman Disease]]
* [[Lymphoproliferative disorders]]
* [[HIV]]
* [[Immunosuppression]]

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Infectious Diseases]]
[[Category:Virology]]
[[Category:Hematology]]

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