Browsing by Author "Wakeham Katie"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Association between malaria exposure and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus seropositivity in Uganda
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2015) Nalwoga Angela; Cose Stephen; Wakeham Katie; Miley Wendell; Ndibazza Juliet; Drakeley Christopher; Elliott Alison M; Whitby Denise; Newton Robert
Objective: Unlike other herpes viruses, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) is not ubiquitous worldwide and is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. The reasons for this are unclear. As part of a wider investigation of factors that facilitate transmission in Uganda, a high prevalence country, we examined the association between antimalaria antibodies and seropositivity against KSHV. methods Antibodies against P. falciparum merozoite surface protein (PfMSP)-1, P. falciparum apical membrane antigen (PfAMA)-1 and KSHV antigens (ORF73 and K8.1) were measured in samples from 1164 mothers and 1227 children. results Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus seroprevalence was 69% among mothers and 15% children. Among mothers, KSHV seroprevalence increased with malaria antibody titres: from 60% to 82% and from 54% to 77%, comparing those with the lowest and highest titres for PfMSP-1 and PfAMA-1, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among children, only antibodies to PfAMA-1 were significantly associated with KSHV seropositivity, (P < 0.0001). In both mothers and children, anti-ORF73 antibodies were more strongly associated with malaria antibodies than anti-K8.1 antibodies. Conclusion: The association between malaria exposure and KSHV seropositivity suggests that malaria is a cofactor for KSHV infection or reactivation.
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.
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.