Browsing by Author "Sebina Ismail"

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    Parasite infection is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan women
    (BioMed Central, 2011) Wakeham Katie; Webb Emily L; Sebina Ismail; Muhangi Lawrence; Miley Wendell; Johnson W Thomas; Ndibazza Juliet; Elliott Alison M; Whitby Denise; Newton Robert
    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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    Risk Factors for Seropositivity to Kaposi Sarcoma–Associated Herpesvirus Among Children in Uganda
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013) Wakeham Katie; Webb Emily L.; Sebina Ismail; Nalwoga Angela; Muhangi Lawrence; Miley Wendell; Johnston Thomas; Ndibazza Juliet; Whitby Denise; Newton Robert; Elliott Alison M
    Background: Determinants of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seropositivity among children living in sub-Saharan African populations where infection is endemic are not well understood. Local environmental factors, including other infectious agents, may be key. Methods: Within the context of a well-characterized birth cohort, we examined associations between various factors and antibodies against KSHV, measured in stored plasma samples from 1823 mother–child pairs in Entebbe, Uganda. Results: Seroprevalence increased with increasing age of the child (P = 0.0003) and was higher among those with KSHV seropositive mothers than in those without (12% vs 9%; odds ratio: 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 2.0). It was also higher among children with HIV infection (29% vs 10%; odds ratio: 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 8.3) or malaria parasitemia (30% vs 10%; odds ratio: 4.1, 95% confidence interval: 2.4 to 7.0) than in children without. These associations were not explained by socioeconomic status. Conclusions: The finding that KSHV serostatus is associated with malaria parasitemia in children is novel. In a country endemic for KSHV, malaria may be a cofactor for KSHV infection or reactivation among children.