[NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms in individuals with leprosy reactions attended at two reference centers in Recife, northeastern Brazil].

INTRODUCTION: To investigate susceptibility to leprosy reactions, three polymorphisms of the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP1) gene were determined in 201 individuals who were attended at two reference centers in Recife, between 2007 and 2008. Of these, 100 were paucibacillary and 101 were multibacillary.

METHODS: The 274C/T, D543N and 1729+55del4 polymorphisms of the NRAMP1 gene were determined using the technique of restriction fragment polymorphism on DNA extracted from peripheral blood. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were estimated by direct counting.

RESULTS: The predominant genotypes were: CC (51.8%) for 274C/T; GG (86.6%) for D543N; and +-TGTG (59.9%) for 1729+55del4. The mutant genotype 274 TT predominated in negativity of the reverse reaction (p = 0.03) and in positivity of erythema nodosum leprosum (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 274 C/T polymorphism of the NRAMP1 gene may aid in determining the susceptibility to type II reactions among leprosy patients.