Genetic Variants in MARCO Are Associated with the Susceptibility to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Chinese Han Population
2011

Genetic Variants in MARCO and Tuberculosis Risk

Sample size: 1956 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ma Mai-Juan, Wang Hai-Bing, Li Hao, Yang Jun-Hai, Yan Yan, Xie Lan-Pin, Qi Ying-Cheng, Li Jun-Lian, Chen Mei-Juan, Liu Wei, Cao Wu-Chun

Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China

Hypothesis

Are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MARCO gene associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population?

Conclusion

The study found that genetic variants in the MARCO gene are associated with an increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified 17 SNPs in the MARCO gene.
  • One SNP (rs17009726) was associated with a 1.65 fold increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • Haplotype analysis revealed significant associations with two haplotypes containing the G allele of rs17009726.

Takeaway

Some people might be more likely to get tuberculosis because of their genes, especially a gene called MARCO.

Methodology

The study used a hospital-based case-control association study design, genotyping 17 tagging SNPs in 923 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 1033 healthy controls.

Potential Biases

Potential misclassification of healthy controls due to unknown latent TB infection status.

Limitations

The study lacked independent replication in other ethnic populations and detailed patient information, which may affect the certainty of the associations.

Participant Demographics

Participants were all of Chinese Han descent, including 923 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 1033 healthy controls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

9.27E-5

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 1.32–2.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024069

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