Association between malaria exposure and Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpes virus seropositivity in Uganda

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Abstract
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.
Funding Information
  • National Institute of Health and the Wellcome Trust

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