delta ccr-5 mutation in the CCR-5 chemokine receptor gene conferring resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1: frequency in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The homozygous deletion of 32 nucleotides in the CCR-5 gene [delta ccr-5] confers resistance to macrophage-tropic HIV-1. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of delta ccr-5 in populations residing in Kuwait. A polymerase chain reaction [PCR] test for delta ccr-5 has been developed. The specificity of the test has been proved by direct sequencing of the PCR products amplified from individuals homozygous for the wild-type allele and from delta ccr-5/wild-type heterozygotes. Among 353 healthy individuals residing in Kuwait [270 Kuwaiti citizens and 83 Bedouins] tested for the delta ccr-5 mutation, 8 heterozygotes have been identified, 4 in each group. No homozygotes for the delta ccr-5 deletion have been found. The frequency of the delta ccr-5 allele in Kuwaiti nationals and Bedouins residing in Kuwait is 0.74 and 2.4%, respectively. The delta ccr-5 mutation is present in populations residing in Kuwait, though its frequency is quite low and can hardly influence the pace of HIV-1 spreading in Kuwait