The interferon gamma gene polymorphism +874 A/T is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome.
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.
Chong
Wai Po
WP
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
Ip
W K Eddie
WK
Tso
Gloria Hoi Wan
GH
Ng
Man Wai
MW
Wong
Wilfred Hing Sang
WH
Law
Helen Ka Wai
HK
Yung
Raymond W H
RW
Chow
Eudora Y
EY
Au
K L
KL
Chan
Eric Y T
EY
Lim
Wilina
W
Peiris
J S Malik
JS
Lau
Yu Lung
YL