Genetics of susceptibility to infection with enteric pathogens.
OBJECTIVE
This review examines recent developments in human genetic susceptibility to enteropathogens that cause infectious diarrhea.


RESULTS
The affinity of specific norovirus genogroups to different histoblood group antigens (HBGAs) on secretor cells has been studied in different epidemiologic studies. HBGAs are also used as receptors by Vibrio cholerae with different degrees of affinity between biotypes. Polymorphisms in the CD14, lactoferrin and osteoprotegerin promoter genes were associated to diarrhea in travelers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-8 genes are also associated to increased risk for enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile infection. IL-10 haplotypes were associated to enterotoxigenic E. coli associated diarrhea in exposed individuals. A family-based study showed a significant association of the LPLUNC1 gene and cholera. The major histocompatibility complex class II antigens are associated to different degrees of susceptibility and resistance to Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Variants in genes that encode molecules that mediate attachment, pathogen recognition, inflammatory cytokine response, innate and acquired immunity are being identified as determinants of host genetic susceptibility to infectious diarrhea.
Flores
Jose
J
Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Okhuysen
Pablo C
PC
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System