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DNA Fingerprinting of Mycobacterium leprae Strains Using Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) - Fragment Length Analysis (FLA)
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Susceptibility to leprosy may be conditioned by an interaction between the NRAMP1 promoter polymorphisms and the

Frederico Rogério Ferreira1, Luiz Ricardo Goulart, Heyder Diniz Silva

  • 1State Reference Center of Sanitary Dermatology and Leprosy, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil.

International Journal of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases : Official Organ of the International Leprosy Association
|March 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The NRAMP1 gene promoter polymorphism interacts with the lepromin response, increasing leprosy risk. Specifically, genotypes 22 and 23 with a negative lepromin response elevate the chance of developing leprosy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunogenetics
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The NRAMP1 gene's role in Mycobacterium leprae susceptibility and the Mitsuda reaction remains controversial.
  • Investigating genetic factors influencing immune response to M. leprae is crucial for understanding leprosy pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between NRAMP1 gene promoter polymorphism and susceptibility to leprosy.
  • To examine the interaction of NRAMP1 polymorphism with the specific immune response to M. leprae, measured by the Mitsuda test.
  • To determine if NRAMP1 polymorphism correlates with clinical forms of leprosy (multibacillary vs. paucibacillary).

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of the NRAMP1 promoter (GT)n polymorphism using PCR and LIS-SSCP.
  • Analysis of allelic and genotypic frequencies in leprosy patients (n=90) and household contacts (n=61).
  • Correlation of genotypes with Mitsuda test results and clinical leprosy forms (MB/PB).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in NRAMP1 allelic/genotypic frequencies were observed concerning the Mitsuda test or leprosy clinical forms.
  • Individuals with a negative lepromin response and NRAMP1 genotypes 22 or 23 showed a 7- and 8-fold increased risk of developing leprosy, respectively.
  • NRAMP1 promoter polymorphism demonstrated an interaction with the lepromin response.

Conclusions:

  • The NRAMP1 gene promoter polymorphism, particularly allele 2, may act as an independent genetic factor predisposing to M. leprae survival due to potentially impaired iron transport.
  • Leprosy development is likely influenced by a complex interplay of NRAMP1 genotype, immune response, and other genetic and immunological factors.

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