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Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Gene Polymorphism and Its Association With Bacterial Meningitis in Young Children

Xiaoying Fan1, MengYuan Lu, Ran Xu

  • 1From the Department of Pediatrics, Xingtai Central Hospital, Xindu, China.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|June 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) rs17525495 gene polymorphism, specifically the TT genotype, is linked to increased susceptibility and complications in childhood bacterial meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Immunology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis poses a significant threat to young children.
  • Genetic factors may influence susceptibility to bacterial meningitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) gene polymorphism (rs17525495) and bacterial meningitis in children.
  • To evaluate the relationship between LTA4H genotype and serum levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and lipoxin A4 (LXA4).

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 88 children with bacterial meningitis and 88 healthy controls.
  • Genotyping of LTA4H rs17525495 using TaqMan quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
  • Measurement of serum LTB4 and LXA4 levels via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Main Results:

  • The TT genotype and T allele of LTA4H rs17525495 were significantly more frequent in children with bacterial meningitis.
  • Serum LTB4 and LXA4 levels were elevated in cases, with TT genotype carriers showing the highest concentrations.
  • The TT genotype was associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk and higher complication rates in bacterial meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • LTA4H rs17525495 polymorphism, particularly the TT genotype, is associated with susceptibility to bacterial meningitis in young children.
  • This specific LTA4H genotype may serve as a genetic marker for increased risk and severity of bacterial meningitis.
Abstract

Keywords:
bacterial meningitis in young childrengene polymorphismleukotriene A4 hydrolaseleukotriene B4lipoxin 4susceptibility

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