Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women
Menée en Ouganda à partir de 1 915 échantillons sanguins de femmes enceintes, cette étude analyse la relation entre une infection parasitaire et la présence d'anticorps contre l'herpèvirus associé au sarcome de Kaposi
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]). Seroprevalence was also higher among HIV infected women than uninfected, although the association was of borderline statistical significance. No associations were found for 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.