title: Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women.
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 < 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.
authors.affiliation: Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.|Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Area 3 Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wakeham
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppal Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Emily L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.affiliation: Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
authors.forename: Ismail
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sebina
authors.affiliation: Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Muhangi
authors.affiliation: Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC_Frederick, National Cancer Institute, PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
authors.forename: Wendell
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Miley
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Area 3 Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors.forename: W Thomas
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
authors.forename: Juliet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ndibazza
authors.affiliation: Co-infections Studies Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, PO Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.|Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppal Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.affiliation: Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC_Frederick, National Cancer Institute, PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Whitby
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Area 3 Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.|Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Newton