Genome Scan of M. tuberculosis Infection and Disease in Ugandans
2008

Genome Scan of Tuberculosis Infection and Disease in Ugandans

Sample size: 803 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Stein Catherine M., Zalwango Sarah, Malone LaShaunda L., Won Sungho, Mayanja-Kizza Harriet, Mugerwa Roy D., Leontiev Dmitry V., Thompson Cheryl L., Cartier Kevin C., Elston Robert C., Iyengar Sudha K., Boom W. Henry, Whalen Christopher C.

Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University

Hypothesis

The study hypothesized that distinct phenotypes of tuberculosis (TB) would have unique genetic influences.

Conclusion

The study found novel genetic regions linked to resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and progression to disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Suggestive linkage was observed on chromosomes 2q21-2q24 and 5p13-5q22 for PTST-.
  • Linkage was also found on chromosome 7p22-7p21 for TB.
  • Recent linkage findings on chromosome 20q13 for TB were replicated.
  • TNFα levels differed significantly between TB and both PTST- and LTBI in HIV negative individuals.

Takeaway

This study looked at how people's genes might affect their chances of getting tuberculosis or not getting sick from it, even if they were exposed to the bacteria.

Methodology

The study conducted a full microsatellite genome scan and linkage analysis using data from 803 individuals across 193 pedigrees.

Potential Biases

The study may have been underpowered to detect genes with smaller effects due to the sample size.

Limitations

The analysis was limited to 803 individuals due to missing genotype and phenotype data, which may have reduced statistical power.

Participant Demographics

The sample included both children and adults, with a median age of 15 years, and comprised 435 females and 368 males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0003

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004094

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication