Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Immune modulation by parasites may influence susceptibility to bacteria and viruses. We examined the association between current parasite infections, HIV and syphilis (measured in blood or stool samples using standard methods) and antibodies against Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), measured by ELISA, in 1915 stored plasma samples from pregnant women in Entebbe, Uganda. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of KSHV was higher in women with malaria parasitaemia (73% vs 60% p = 0.01), hookworm (67% vs 56% p = 0.001) and Mansonella perstans (69% vs 59% p = 0.05); seroprevalence increased with increasing intensity of hookworm infection (p < 0.001[trend]). No associations were found for HIV, five other parasites or active syphilis. These effects were not explained by socioeconomic status or education. CONCLUSIONS: Specific parasite infections are associated with presence of antibodies against KSHV, perhaps mediated via their effect on immune function.
Source: Infectious Agents and Cancer
Authors: Katie Wakeham, Emily L Webb, Ismail Sebina, Lawrence Muhangi, Wendell Miley, W Thomas Johnson, Juliet Ndibazza, Alison M Elliott, Denise Whitby, Robert Newton
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Awards: The impact of helminths on the response to immunisation and on the incidence of infection and disease in childhood in Uganda., G3503792436, G386607036, G4585269469, The impact of helminths on the response to immunisation and on susceptibility to infectious diseases in childhood in Uganda., The epidemiology and immunology of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus in Uganda., Sex differences in macrophage dynamic behaviours
OpenAlex ID: W2158763775