Background Polymorphisms in innate immune genes such as pattern recognition receptors (TLR1, TLR4, Dectin-1), cytokines (TNF-Α, IL-1Β) or other molecules (CARD9, Β-defensin1 [DEFB1]) were previously associated with individual susceptibility to fungal infections, mainly among onco-hematological patients. We explored the association of 19 such polymorphisms with mold colonization and infection in SOT recipients. Methods The STCS is a large, well documented prospective cohort of SOT recipients followed at 6 hospital centers in Switzerland. DNAs from patients were genotyped using a custom-made Illumina® Golden Gate assay. Associations were assessed by log rank test and Cox regression models after adjustment for all relevant covariates. Results The study included 1099 Caucasian SOT recipients (670 kidney, 187 liver, 148 lung, 79 heart, 60 other/mixed). Mold colonization (N=48) and proven/probable infection (21 Aspergillus spp., 5 others) were associated with polymorphisms in IL-1Β (rs16944, Figure 1), IL-1RA (rs419598; P=0.02 and P=0.02) and DEFB1 (rs1800972; P=0.003 and P=0.0003). The associations with IL-1Β and DEFB1, but not its antagonist IL-1RA, remained significant after adjustment for relevant covariates (Table1). Conclusion A polymorphism in IL-1Β and DEFB1 influence susceptibility to mold infection in SOT recipients. This observation may contribute to individual risk stratification.

« Back to 2013 American Transplant Congress