Gene Variations and Resistance to Schistosomiasis Reinfection
Author Information
Author(s): Gatlin Michael R., Black Carla L., Mwinzi Pauline N., Secor W. Evan, Karanja Diana M., Colley Daniel G.
Primary Institution: University of Georgia
Hypothesis
Do specific gene polymorphisms correlate with resistance to reinfection with Schistosoma mansoni?
Conclusion
Certain gene polymorphisms are associated with increased resistance to reinfection with Schistosoma mansoni in a cohort of car washers in Kenya.
Supporting Evidence
- Men with the heterozygous IL-4 −590 genotype had a higher percentage of resistance to reinfection.
- Resistance was significantly associated with the T allele at IFN-γ +874.
- Heterozygous IL-13 −1055 genotype was correlated with resistance to reinfection.
Takeaway
Some people can fight off a worm infection better than others because of their genes. This study looked at how certain gene changes help people resist getting sick again after treatment.
Methodology
The study genotyped cytokine gene polymorphisms in a cohort of car washers exposed to Schistosoma mansoni and analyzed their resistance to reinfection after treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the occupational exposure of participants and the reliance on self-reported data regarding car washing.
Limitations
The study's sample size was small, and the findings may not be generalizable to women due to the male-only participant group.
Participant Demographics
All participants were adult men working as car washers in Kisumu, Kenya.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0086 for IL-13 −1055, 0.0145 for IFN-γ +874, 0.0192 for IL-4 −590
Confidence Interval
[1.2, 10.2] for IL-4 −590, [1.3, 9.4] for IFN-γ +874, [1.4, 13.4] for IL-13 −1055
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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