Genotypes of the mannan-binding lectin gene and susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis and clinical complications.
BACKGROUND
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is almost always lethal if not treated, but most infections with the causative agents are clinically silent. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), an opsonin, is a candidate molecule for modifying progression to VL because it may enhance infection with intracellular pathogens. Mutations in the MBL2 gene decrease levels of MBL and may protect against development of VL. This case-control study examines genotypes of MBL2 and levels of MBL in individuals presenting with different outcomes of infection with Leishmania chagasi.


METHODS
Genotypes for MBL2 and levels of serum MBL were determined in uninfected control subjects (n=76) and in individuals presenting with asymptomatic infection (n=90) or VL (n=69).


RESULTS
Genotypes resulting in high levels of MBL were more frequent (odds ratio [OR], 2.5 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-5.0]; P=.006) among individuals with VL than among those with asymptomatic infections and were even more frequent (OR, 3.97 [95% CI, 1.10-14.38]; P=.043) among cases of VL presenting with clinical complications than among those with uneventful courses. Serum levels of MBL were higher (P=.011) in individuals with VL than in asymptomatic infections .


CONCLUSIONS
Genotypes of the MBL2 gene predict the risk for developing VL and clinical complications in infections with L. chagasi.
Alonso
Diego Peres
DP
Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biology and Biomedicine, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.
Ferreira
Afonso Flávio B
AF
Ribolla
Paulo Eduardo M
PE
de Miranda Santos
Isabel K F
IK
do Socorro Pires e Cruz
Maria
M
Aécio de Carvalho
Fernando
F
Abatepaulo
Antonio Roberto R
AR
Lamounier Costa
Dorcas
D
Werneck
Guilherme L
GL
Farias
Teresinha J C
TJ
Soares
Maria José S
MJ
Costa
Carlos Henrique N
CH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018314:Leishmania infantum / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013223:Statistics as Topic
D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin