Killer cell immunoglobulin like receptors gene polymorphism in patients with dengue infection, Andaman Islands, India

ObjectiveTo identify the possible association of killer cell immunoglobulin like receptors (KIRs) gene polymorphisms in patients with dengue virus infection.MethodsSeventeen known KIRs were determined in 30 dengue patients and 40 healthy individuals by the sequence specific primer polymerase chain reaction method. Associations with specific KIR genes were tested using the Chi-squared test and Fisher test using EpiInfo 7 software.ResultsAll frame work genes and pseudo genes were detected among 97% and 98% of all dengue cases and healthy individuals respectively. The total carriage frequency of KIR3DL1 and KIR2DL2 were decrease in dengue patients compared with healthy individuals (P=0.000 0 and P=0.000 5 respectively) from A haplotype and inhibitory receptors.ConclusionsThe KIR polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility to dengue virus infection. It could be suggested that KIR3DL1 and KIR2DL2 were susceptibility genes for dengue virus. However, these findings provide certain support for hypothesis, that KIR genes influence susceptibility and may play a role in the clearance of dengue virus infection.