Research article
Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women
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* Corresponding author: Katie Wakeham katiewakeham@gmail.com
- † Equal contributors
1 Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
2 Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Area 3 Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
3 Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppal Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
4 Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC_Frederick, National Cancer Institute, PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
5 Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppal Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
6 Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
Infectious Agents and Cancer 2011, 6:15 doi:10.1186/1750-9378-6-15
Published: 30 September 2011Abstract
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.