Social behavioral correlates of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Background Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China and its prevalence varies considerably across ethnic groups. The current study explored the prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang. Methods A cross‐sectional study, including 282 Han ethnicity and 312 Uygur, was conducted in Xinjiang, China. All participants underwent face to face questionnaire interview. Plasma samples were collected and screened for KSHV infection using immunofluorescence assay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the correlates of KSHV seropositivity. Results The KSHV seroprevalence was 41.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.6‐45.6) overall and was higher in the Uygur group (59.9%; 95% CI, 54.3‐65.4) than the Han group (21.3%; 95% CI, 16.6‐26.5). A significant difference in the geometric mean titer (GMT) of the KSHV antibodies was detected between the Uygur and Han groups (158.2; interquartile range [IQR], 80‐320 vs 89.1; IQR, 40‐160; P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, Uygur ethnicity (odds ratios [OR], 5.96; 95% CI, 4.05‐8.90), age greater than or equal to 50 years (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.24‐2.77), and preference for meat diet (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05‐4.46) were significantly associated with increased odds of KSHV seropositivity. Conclusion The study demonstrated high prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection in both Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China. There is an urgent need for programmatic adaptation to address primary prevention interventions of KSHV infection in this endemic region.