Italian multicentric pilot study on MBL2 genetic polymorphisms in HIV positive pregnant women and their children.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated genetic polymorphisms of MBL2 gene, in a cohort of 90 Italian HIV-1 pregnant seropositive women and their children in order to understand whether the MBL2 genotype of HIV-1 positive mothers might be related to their ability to transmit the virus to their children.


METHODS
DNA was extracted from Iso Code Stix cards, and MBL2 genotyping was performed by Melting Temperature Assay.


RESULTS
The frequency of the MBL2 0/0 homozygotes was higher in HIV-1 positive mothers than in healthy controls, the MBL2 0/0 genotype was more frequent in children born from HIV positive mothers than healthy subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
We have confirmed the association of polymorphisms involving a gene of the innate immunity with an increased risk of being infected by HIV. These polymorphisms were also evidenced in children born from HIV+ mothers, but the risk of infection was strongly reduced by cesarean delivery and by antiretroviral treatment.
Crovella
Sergio
S
Department of Developmental and Reproductive Sciences, Genetic Unit University of Trieste, Italy. crovella@burlo.trieste.it
Bernardon
Maria
M
Braida
Laura
L
Boniotto
Michele
M
Guaschino
Secondo
S
Ferrazzi
Enrico
E
Martinelli
Pasquale
P
Alberico
Salvatore
S
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000235:genetics*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy
C445619:MBL2 protein, human; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin