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Association between mannose binding lectin polymorphisms and predisposition to bacterial meningitis
Fadil Vardar1, Sacide Pehlivan, Hüseyin Onay
1Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|November 10, 2007
Summary
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene variants, specifically codon 54 polymorphism, are associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial meningitis in children. The B allele was more frequent in patients, suggesting a potential role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system.
- MBL deficiency, linked to MBL gene variants, can impair pathogen recognition and complement activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing bacterial meningitis.
- To analyze specific MBL gene variants, including codon 54 (B allele) and codon 57 (C allele) in exon 1.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of MBL gene polymorphisms (codon 54 and 57) in 31 children with purulent meningitis and 50 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis to compare allele and genotype frequencies between patient and control groups.
Main Results:
- Codon 57 polymorphism was absent in both groups.
- The MBL gene B allele frequency was significantly higher in meningitis patients (22%) compared to controls (3%).
- The AB genotype was more prevalent in patients (39%) than controls (6%), while the AA genotype was less frequent in patients (61%) versus controls (94%).
Conclusions:
- Codon 54 polymorphism in the MBL gene is associated with an increased risk of bacterial meningitis in children.
- The MBL gene's B allele may contribute to susceptibility to bacterial meningitis.
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