Genetic Variation in OAS1 and West Nile Virus Infection Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Lim Jean K., Lisco Andrea, McDermott David H., Huynh Linda, Ward Jerrold M., Johnson Bernard, Johnson Hope, Pape John, Foster Gregory A., Krysztof David, Follmann Dean, Stramer Susan L., Margolis Leonid B., Murphy Philip M.
Primary Institution: National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Polymorphisms in the human ortholog of oas1b, OAS1, could influence outcome in humans exposed to West Nile Virus (WNV).
Conclusion
The study identifies OAS1 SNP rs10774671 as a host genetic risk factor for initial infection with West Nile Virus in humans.
Supporting Evidence
- The frequency of the hypofunctional OAS1 allele is increased in both symptomatic and asymptomatic WNV seroconverters.
- Individuals homozygous for the 'A' allele showed higher virus accumulation in a model of WNV infection.
- The AA genotype was significantly greater in WNV-positive subjects than in controls.
- Statistical analysis showed significant associations across multiple genetic models.
Takeaway
Some people have a gene that makes them more likely to get sick from a virus called West Nile Virus, while others are better at fighting it off.
Methodology
The study analyzed serum or plasma from 501 Caucasian WNV-positive individuals and compared their OAS1 genotypes to healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential population stratification could affect the genotypic frequency results.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and limited to North American Caucasians, which may not generalize to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Caucasian individuals from five US centers, including symptomatic and asymptomatic WNV seroconverters.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0002
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.2–2.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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