Association between an MHC class II allele and clearance of hepatitis B virus in the Gambia

Article Abstract:

A particular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene may allow the human immune system to permanently clear infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). MHC genes determine the immune system response to foreign proteins. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 403 children and 235 adults in western Gambia who had been exposed to HBV. Forty adults and 185 children had a persistent infection, while 195 adults and 218 children had cleared the infection. DNA analysis of blood cells revealed that the MHC class II gene DRB1*1302 was found in 27% of the children and 26% of the adults who had cleared the infection, but in only 16% of children and 7% of adults who were still infected. The role of the proteins produced by the MHC genes is to capture foreign proteins and present them to T cells, which then eliminate the foreign substance. People who lack the DRB1*1302 gene may have a defect in T cell function that impairs the immune system.

Development and progression, Major histocompatibility complex, Hepatitis B, Gambia

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A trial of artemether or quinine in children with cerebral malaria

Article Abstract:

Artemether appears to be as effective as quinine in the treatment of malaria and could be used in countries where the parasite has become resistant to quinine. A total of 576 African children with cerebral malaria were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular injections of artemether or quinine for up to 5 months. The mortality rate was 20.5% in those receiving artemether and 21.5% in those receiving quinine. At five months, 3.3% of those who received artemether had severe neurologic disease, compared to 5.3% of those who received quinine. Artemether cleared the parasite from the blood faster than quinine.

Evaluation, Drug therapy, Malaria, Antimalarials, Quinine

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Variations in the NRAMP1 gene and susceptibility to tuberculosis in West Africans

Article Abstract:

Susceptibility to tuberculosis may be affected by genetic differences among the population of Gambia, West Africa. Studies in mice have determined that the natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene influences resistance to mycobacteria, the type of bacteria which causes tuberculosis. Researchers studied a similar gene in 410 people with tuberculosis and 417 healthy volunteers in Africa. Four particular mutations of NRAMP1 were strongly associated with infection with tuberculosis. This gene may be involved in other infectious diseases as well.

Genetic aspects, Tuberculosis, Genetic polymorphisms, Mycobacterial infections, Mycobacterium infections, Disease susceptibility, Sub-Saharan Africa

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