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Genotypes coding for mannose-binding lectin deficiency correlated with cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-uninfected

Xue-Ting Ou1, Ji-Qin Wu, Li-Ping Zhu

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 20, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency is linked to cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-uninfected individuals. This genetic association was particularly evident in immunocompetent patients, suggesting MBL

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a role in infectious diseases.
  • The link between MBL deficiency and cryptococcal meningitis is unclear.
  • This study focuses on non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MBL gene polymorphism and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-uninfected individuals.
  • To explore the correlation in different host immunity statuses.

Main Methods:

  • Case-controlled genetic association study.
  • Genotyping of 6 MBL2 gene alleles in 103 patients and 208 controls.
  • Comparison of allele frequencies, genotypes, haplotypes, and genotype groups.

Main Results:

  • Homozygous MBL2 genotypes (O/O) correlated with cryptococcal meningitis (P=.023, OR=4.29).
  • This association was stronger in immunocompetent patients (P=.005, OR=6.65).
  • MBL deficiency was associated with cryptococcal meningitis (P=.039, OR=2.09), especially in immunocompetent individuals (P=.028, OR=2.51).

Conclusions:

  • First study to link MBL deficiency genotypes with cryptococcal meningitis in non-immunocompromised hosts.
  • MBL gene variations are a risk factor for cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-negative individuals.

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