PMID: 8967289Jan 1, 1996Paper

The genetic susceptibility to leprosy in humans

Acta Leprologica
P H Lagrange, L Abel

Abstract

The capacity of certain individuals to resist certain diseases, including leprosy, has for a long time been considered as being influenced by genetic factors. The clinical and pathological spectrum of leprosy, epidemiological heterogeneity, both geographic and ethnic, in the prevalence of polar forms, may be explained by genetic differences in host resistance. While the specific genes in question have not been identified, recent studies suggest a genetic basis for differences in the capacity of macrophages in the host to reduce bacterial multiplication. Experimental models analyzing the reactions of antimycobacterial defence have underscored at existing differences in resistance or vulnerability to infection (M. bovis, BCG, M. lepraemurium, M. tuberculosis) were guided by a dominant gene which exists in two allelic forms, bcgr and bcg5. The bcgr allele confers resistance and is more dominant than the bcgs allele which represents greater vulnerability to infection. The murine candidate gene for the bcg gene has been named NRAMP (Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein). Even though the exact function of NRAMP is not currently known, it has been demonstrated that this gene is expressed mainly in macrophages, and that it ...Continue Reading

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