Recently, herpes-virus like DNA sequences defining a new herpes virus termed human herpes virus 8 (HHV8), were detected in Kaposi's sarcoma of AIDS and non-AIDS patients. We describe the successful detection of HHV8 DNA in archival skin biopsies of the various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma. DNA was extracted from archival skin biopsies of Kaposi's sarcoma, other mesenchymal skin tumors and various inflammatory skin lesion of HIV seropositive and negative patients. The extracted DNA was analyzed for the presence of HHV8 DNA using a nested PCR assay. All samples were tested for the presence of appropriate DNA using a internal cellular control PCR-reaction. A total of 23 Kaposi's sarcoma were analyzed, including 12 of the endemic type, 9 HIV-associated and 2 transplant related. HHV8 DNA was detected by nested PCR in all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma. In contrast, no HHV8 DNA could be found in 17 mesenchymal, especially vascular skin tumors or in 7 biopsies with unspecific inflammatory skin lesions of HIV seropositive and negative patients. HHV8 DNA was present in all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma tested but not in other mesenchymal tumors or unspecific inflammatory lesions of the skin. This data support the idea of a strong association of HHV8 and Kaposi's sarcoma.