The CD14 −159C/T polymorphisms and the risks of tuberculosis: A meta-analysis

Previous studies about the association between CD14 −159C/T polymorphisms and the risks of tuberculosis (TB) have yielded conflicting results, and thus a meta-analysis was performed in order to provide a more accurate estimation. A computerized literature search with additional manual search was conducted for the relevant available studies. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated by either fixed-effects model or random-effects model based on heterogeneity test. A total of 8 eligible studies (1729 cases and 1803 controls) were included in the meta-analyses. Overall, a significant association between CD14 −159C/T polymorphism and TB risks was detected in the recessive model (TT vs. TC/CC, OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.06-2.07). Significant associations were also detected in Asians (T vs. C, OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.33-1.67; TT vs. CC, OR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.54-2.45; TT vs. TC/CC: OR = 1.86, 95%CI 1.57-2.20). In contrast, no significant association was detected in Caucasians in each genetic model. The subgroup analysis stratified by TB types showed a significant association between CD14 −159C/T polymorphism and pulmonary TB risks (T vs. C, OR = 1.51, 95%CI 1.01-2.26; TT vs. TC/CC, OR = 1.84, 95%CI 1.03-3.29), which did not reach statistically significance when the P values were Bonferroni adjusted to 0.025. No publication bias was detected in any comparisons. Collectively, the results of this meta-analysis suggest a possible association between CD14 −159C/T polymorphism and TB risks in Asians, but not in Caucasians. Well-designed case-control studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm these results.