Examination Date
Summer 7-7-2025
Degree
Thesis
Degree Program
Biomedical Sciences
Examination Committee
Dr. Bolin Liu, Dr. Timothy Foster, Dr. Charles Wood
Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer disproportionately affecting people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and injection drug users (IDU). This study assessed KSHV seroprevalence and associated risk factors among 175 high-risk individuals in Puerto Rico, stratified by HIV and IDU status. Serology was found to have elevated KSHV seroprevalence among HIV-positive individuals with or without IDU history, and intermediate prevalence among HIV-negative participants with IDU. Multivariate logistic regression predicted the primary risk factors as HIV status and injection drug use, while methadone use was inversely predictive of KSHV seropositivity. Socioeconomic instability, homelessness, and low income also had trends toward risk increase. These findings emphasize behavioral, clinical, and societal predictors of KSHV exposure and underscore the importance of longitudinal studies and targeted outreach interventions. Increased surveillance among marginalized populations is required for unfolding transmission patterns and designing effective prevention measures in Puerto Rico.
Recommended Citation
Kiran, Khushi, "Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Seroprevalence in Puerto Rico: Associations with HIV Infection and Injection Drug Use" (2025). School of Graduate Studies. 8.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/etd_sgs/8
Thesis Report Form