Associations between Polymorphisms within Interferon Gamma and Tumor Necrosis Factor Genes and Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis in Ghanaian Patients

Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, Johnson N. Boampong, Samuel Kyei, Richmond Afoakwah, Irene Ayi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate associations between IFN-γ +874T/A and TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism with the development of Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. Methods: By ARMS–PCR, a cross-sectional genetic study involving 30 patients with Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis and 87 controls was carried out. Results: IFN-γ +874: by comparing with the AA genotype, individuals with the TT genotype had a 3.4 odds ratio (OR); AT had a 1.6 OR; and the T allele had a higher OR (1.6), indicating a likely susceptibility of IFN-γ +874T to the infection, though the overall distribution was not significant (p = 0.259). For TNF-α-308G/A, individuals with both GA and AA genotypes had lower ORs when compared with the GG genotype, implying the A allele could confer protection against Toxoplasma ocular lesions. Conclusions: IFN-γ +874T allele may increase the risk of ocular lesions in Toxoplasma infection. The principle of natural selection seems to also play a role. The less common TNF-308A allelic form could be protective against the development of Toxoplasma ocular infection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)678-684
Number of pages7
JournalOcular Immunology and Inflammation
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Sep 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Genes
  • Ghana
  • Toxoplasma
  • interferon gamma
  • retinochoroiditis
  • tumor necrosis factor

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