Genetics and Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Sudan: Seeking a Link
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Date
2015-11-18
Authors
Mohamed, Hiba S.
Ibrahim, Muntaser E.
Blackwell, Jenefer M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UOFK
Abstract
With the human genome sequence in hand, emphasis is
now focusing on genetic diversity and its role in susceptibility
to disease. In the Sudan, different tribes share
the same exposure to Leishmania donovani, but only
certain tribes are at risk of clinical disease. This
suggests that host genotype is important, with genes
controlling innate and adaptive immunity likely to be
involved. Using multicase families, linkage and allelic
association has been demonstrated between clinical
visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and the innate resistance
gene SLC11A1 (formerly NRAMP1), which regulates
macrophage activation. Polymorphism at IL4 is also
associated with underlying susceptibility to VL, whereas
IFNGR1 is associated specifically with post-kala-azar
dermal leishmaniasis.
Description
Keywords
Genetics, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Sudan, Seeking a Link