Introduction and Objectives Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) may be the first clinical indicator of AIDS; nevertheless there are no studies of KS features concerning HIV in Ukraine. So the aim was to study epidemiological and clinical peculiarities of KS in HIV-infected persons.

Materials & methods We were studying 176 HIV-positive patients with various skin manifestations: 90 females and 86 males aged 18–71 (mean 28.8±8.7) years. Serological status (New Low Blot - Bio-Radium) and clinical stage of the infection (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD20 count - Becton Dickinson - USA) were determined according to WHO guidelines (2006).

Results Kaposi’s sarcoma was determined in 27 (15.3%) patients: 13 (7.3%) patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma were classified to be at clinical stage 3 of HIV infection, and 14 (8.0%) patients - at stage 4. The lesions were localised on the face, neck, mouth, hand and legs. Skin biopsies were compatible with Kaposi’s sarcoma. The CD4 count was 200–350 cells/mm³. None of 27 patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma knew about his or her HIV status. They first visited dermatologist or cosmetologist. Some of them underwent cosmetic procedures (tattoo, piercing) during last five years. All of them had one another dermatosis or more: seborrhea (16 patients), mycosis (9), and herpes or papilloma virus infections (9). Patients were receiving ARV therapy and were on regular clinic surveillance.

Conclusions Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions are often observed in untreated unaware immunocompromised HIV-infected patients, and may be the first clinical manifestation of AIDS. Clinical features of Kaposi’s sarcoma should be the choice of the first examination in dermatological practise.