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Disease due to Mycobacterium intracellulare: its possible association with human leukocyte antigens
Abstract:
Most of the population of the United States is exposed to Mycobacterium intracellulare, but only a few persons develop disease due to this organism. This fact suggests that certain host factors may predispose an individual to this disease. To investigate the possibility that susceptibility to disease due to M. intracellulare may be determined by genetic factors, as evidenced in profiles of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), we examined 41 consecutive patients with use of tissue typing for HLA-A and HLA-B loci. The association in individuals between disease and frequency of HLAs was analyzed and compared with control data of HLA frequencies in the caucasian American population. The observed frequencies of many HLAs were different from those expected, but none of the individual differences were significant statistically. However, the frequency of the haplotype A2-B12 was found to be significantly higher than the expected frequency (P less than 0.05). While the population of patients studied was small, the observed increase in the haplotype frequency may indicate a possible predisposing genetic factor in this disease.
Insights
Genetic factors may influence susceptibility to Mycobacterium intracellulare disease. A study found a higher frequency of the A2-B12 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype in patients, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Infectious Diseases
- Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA)
Background:
- Mycobacterium intracellulare exposure is widespread in the US population.
- Disease development is rare, implying host-specific susceptibility factors.
- Genetic predisposition, particularly via human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), is hypothesized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of genetic factors in Mycobacterium intracellulare disease susceptibility.
- To examine associations between HLA profiles and disease development.
Main Methods:
- Tissue typing for HLA-A and HLA-B loci was performed on 41 patients with M. intracellulare disease.
- HLA frequencies in patients were compared to control data from the Caucasian American population.
- Statistical analysis was used to assess the significance of observed HLA frequency differences.
Main Results:
- While individual HLA frequencies showed variations, none were statistically significant.
- A significant increase in the frequency of the A2-B12 HLA haplotype was observed in patients (P < 0.05).
- This finding suggests a potential genetic link to disease susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- The increased frequency of the A2-B12 haplotype may indicate a genetic predisposition to Mycobacterium intracellulare disease.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is warranted to confirm these genetic associations.
- Understanding host genetic factors could inform strategies for managing M. intracellulare infections.