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Updated: May 28, 2026

Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women
Katie Wakeham1,2, Emily L Webb3, Ismail Sebina1
1Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
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.
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