title: The interferon gamma gene polymorphism +874 A/T is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cytokines play important roles in antiviral action. We examined whether polymorphisms of IFN-gamma,TNF-alpha and IL-10 affect the susceptibility to and outcome of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A case-control study was carried out in 476 Chinese SARS patients and 449 healthy controls. We tested the polymorphisms of IFN-gamma,TNF-alpha and IL-10 for their associations with SARS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  IFN-gamma +874A allele was associated with susceptibility to SARS in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001). Individuals with IFN-gamma +874 AA and AT genotype had a 5.19-fold (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 2.78-9.68) and 2.57-fold (95% CI, 1.35-4.88) increased risk of developing SARS respectively. The polymorphisms of IL-10 and TNF-alpha were not associated with SARS susceptibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IFN-gamma +874A allele was shown to be a risk factor in SARS susceptibility.
authors: Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China. h9820905@graduate.hku.hk
authors: Wai Po
authors: WP
authors: Chong
authors: W K Eddie
authors: WK
authors: Ip
authors: Gloria Hoi Wan
authors: GH
authors: Tso
authors: Man Wai
authors: MW
authors: Ng
authors: Wilfred Hing Sang
authors: WH
authors: Wong
authors: Helen Ka Wai
authors: HK
authors: Law
authors: Raymond W H
authors: RW
authors: Yung
authors: Eudora Y
authors: EY
authors: Chow
authors: K L
authors: KL
authors: Au
authors: Eric Y T
authors: EY
authors: Chan
authors: Wilina
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authors: Peiris
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