The Frequency of CCR5delta32 Polymorphism in the Central Black Sea Coastal Region in a Healthy Population

Abstract

Aim: Delta32 polymorphism in the chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) gene affects human immune deficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry, transmission, and outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the allelic frequencies of genetic variant CCR5delta32, which influence susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, in a northern Turkish population. Materials and Methods: We determined the allelic frequencies of CCR5delta32 in 449 unrelated healthy individuals from the central Black Sea coastal region without any known history of HIV-1 infection. The polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The population was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Delta32 allelic frequencies were calculated. Results: The frequency of mutant delta32 allele in this population was 5.2%. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the low frequency of CCR5delta32 allele may be related to higher genetic susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in the central Black Sea coastal region Turkish population. © TÜBİTAK.