Frequency of CCR5 gene 32-basepair deletion in Croatian normal population

A 32-basepair deletion polymorphism in the CCR5 chemokine receptor gene (CCR5 TROKUT 32) could increase the resistance to HIV-1 infection or delayed progression to AIDS. This mutant allele is common among Caucasians of Western European descent, but has not been observed in people of African or Asian ancestry. Genetic studies provided in European countries have shown a highest prevalence in Nordic countries and the lowest in the Southern European and Mediterranean populations. We genotyped 303 randomly selected healthy Croatians for the prevalence of CCR5 TROKUT 32 mutation. CCR5 TROKUT 32 allele frequency in Croatia of 7.1% fits in the observed European north/south gradient. This first report of CCR5 TROKUT 32 mutation in Croatian population provides additional information on its frequency and geographical distribution in Slavic populations in South-Eastern Europe. Moreover, our data may have important implications for the prediction and prevention of HIV/AIDS in a tourist country such as Croatia.