Infectious Agents and Cancer (Sep 2011)

Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women

  • Ndibazza Juliet,
  • Johnson W Thomas,
  • Miley Wendell,
  • Muhangi Lawrence,
  • Sebina Ismail,
  • Webb Emily L,
  • Wakeham Katie,
  • Elliott Alison M,
  • Whitby Denise,
  • Newton Robert

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1750-9378-6-15
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
p. 15

Abstract

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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 Conclusions Specific parasite infections are associated with presence of antibodies against KSHV, perhaps mediated via their effect on immune function.