OBJECTIVE: We investigated genetic polymorphisms of MBL2 gene, in a cohort of 90 Italian HIV-1 pregnant seropositive women and their children in order to understand whether the MBL2 genotype of HIV-1 positive mothers might be related to their ability to transmit the virus to their children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from Iso Code Stix cards, and MBL2 genotyping was performed by Melting Temperature Assay. RESULTS: The frequency of the MBL2 0/0 homozygotes was higher in HIV-1 positive mothers than in healthy controls, the MBL2 0/0 genotype was more frequent in children born from HIV positive mothers than healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed the association of polymorphisms involving a gene of the innate immunity with an increased risk of being infected by HIV. These polymorphisms were also evidenced in children born from HIV+ mothers, but the risk of infection was strongly reduced by cesarean delivery and by antiretroviral treatment.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated genetic polymorphisms of MBL2 gene, in a cohort of 90 Italian HIV-1 pregnant seropositive women and their children in order to understand whether the MBL2 genotype of HIV-1 positive mothers might be related to their ability to transmit the virus to their children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from Iso Code Stix cards, and MBL2 genotyping was performed by Melting Temperature Assay. RESULTS: The frequency of the MBL2 0/0 homozygotes was higher in HIV-1 positive mothers than in healthy controls, the MBL2 0/0 genotype was more frequent in children born from HIV positive mothers than healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed the association of polymorphisms involving a gene of the innate immunity with an increased risk of being infected by HIV. These polymorphisms were also evidenced in children born from HIV+ mothers, but the risk of infection was strongly reduced by cesarean delivery and by antiretroviral treatment.