Kaposi’s Sarcoma: A Non-Communicable Outcome Mainly Prompted by Communicable Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a tumor that primarily affects the skin, caused by a multifactorial pathogenesis mediated through immune dysfunction, often leading to increased morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Human herpesvirus-8, also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), induces an infection that can facilitate the pathogenesis of KS and other conditions. All KSHV subtypes depend on the expression of specific markers, such as K1 proteins, which play critical roles in their life cycles. The infection is unevenly scattered worldwide, with individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pregnant women being among the most vulnerable groups. HIV infection and related effectors, such as TAT proteins, have substantial impacts on KSHV infectiousness, angiogenesis, various signaling pathways, and KS pathogenesis. Africa endures the heaviest burden of KS, which affects both men and women, sometimes from an early age. KS’s pathogenesis and underlying mechanisms remain unclear; this study aims to highlight the dynamics to be considered in managing and mitigating the burden of KS in SSA. In that region, certain infections are endemic and can cause intermediate health damage leading to KS tumorigenesis, highlighting the link between non-communicable and communicable diseases.