Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Infectious Agents and Cancer
Abstract
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.
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.
Specific parasite infections are associated with presence of antibodies against KSHV, perhaps mediated via their effect on immune function.
Description
Keywords
Parasite infection, Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Ugandan women
Citation
Wakeham et al.: Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women. Infectious Agents and Cancer 2011 6:15. doi:10.1186/1750-9378-6-15