Abstract

Background and Objectives: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of pulmonary tuberculosis, a main public health problem that results in 1.5 million deaths annually. A number of epidemiological studies suggested that host genetic factors could play a main role in susceptibility to tuberculosis infection. SP110 is an interferon-induced nuclear body protein with vital roles in apoptosis, cell cycling and immunity. SP110 gene has been suggested to be a suitable candidate for limiting TB infections. Thus, we investigated the possible association between SP110 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis in the Golestan Province, Iran. Methods: We investigated the frequency of rs1135791 polymorphism of the SP110 gene among 100 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 100 healthy individuals who were referred to the health centers in the Golestan Province (Iran) between 2014 and 2015. Frequency of genotypes was evaluated using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The frequency distribution of TT, TC and CC genotypes among the patients was 65%, 31% and 4%, respectively. In the control group, the frequency distribution of TT, TC and CC genotypes was 56%, 46% and 7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequency of rs1135791 between the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and the healthy controls (P=0.42). Conclusion: Based on the results, the SP110 rs1135791 variant is not a genetic risk factor for development of pulmonary tuberculosis in Golestan Province, Iran.

Authors and Affiliations