HLA Association with West Nile Virus Infection Outcome
Author Information
Author(s): Lanteri Marion C., Kaidarova Zhanna, Peterson Trevor, Cate Steven, Custer Brian, Wu Shiquan, Agapova Maria, Law Jacqueline P., Bielawny Thomas, Plummer Frank, Tobler Leslie H., Loeb Mark, Busch Michael P., Bramson Jonathan, Luo Ma, Norris Philip J.
Primary Institution: Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
Hypothesis
The study investigates the impact of host HLA on the outcome of West Nile Virus disease.
Conclusion
Host HLA may be associated with the outcome of West Nile Virus disease, with certain alleles functioning as either 'susceptible' or 'protective'.
Supporting Evidence
- HLA-A*68, C*08, and DQB1*05 were associated with severe outcomes.
- HLA-B*40 and C*03 were associated with asymptomatic outcomes.
- Age was a significant factor in the association between HLA alleles and disease outcome.
Takeaway
Some people have genes that make them more likely to get really sick from West Nile Virus, while others have genes that help protect them.
Methodology
A cohort of 210 non-Hispanic mostly white WNV+ subjects were typed for various HLA alleles and divided into three outcome groups: asymptomatic, symptomatic, and neuroinvasive disease.
Potential Biases
The study only focused on non-Hispanic white individuals, which may limit generalizability.
Limitations
The sample size is relatively small, limiting the power to detect associations.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 206 white, 2 Asian, 1 Native American, and 1 black, all non-Hispanic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.013
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.26–94.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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