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A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
Evidence for a heritable predisposition to death due to influenza
Frederick S Albright1, Patricia Orlando, Andrew T Pavia
1Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 4, 2008
Summary
Genetic factors may increase the risk of dying from influenza. This study found that relatives of individuals who died from influenza had a higher risk of death, suggesting a heritable predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infectious diseases can be influenced by inherited predispositions.
- A genetic contribution to severe influenza (fatal outcomes) has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evidence for a heritable contribution to influenza-related mortality.
- To assess if genetic factors influence the risk of death from influenza.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 100-year genealogy of the Utah population linked to death certificates.
- Estimated relative risks of influenza death among relatives of individuals who died from influenza.
Main Results:
- Both close and distant relatives of influenza decedents showed a significantly increased risk of dying from influenza.
- Findings are consistent with both shared environmental exposures and genetic effects.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong evidence supporting a heritable component in the predisposition to fatal influenza.
- Genetic predisposition plays a role in severe outcomes of influenza virus infection.
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