Host Genetic Factors in Q Fever Susceptibility

Abstract

Several indirect findings suggest that host-related factors influence susceptibility to Coxiella burnetii infection. We decided to explore the influence of genetic factors related to both innate and adaptive immunity in acute Q fever susceptibility. TLR2 (Arg753Gln) and TLR4 (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) polymorphisms, along with HLA-DRB1 alleles, were analyzed for 38 patients with acute Q fever, 38 matched controls, and 121 blood donors. No significant associations were found for TLR polymorphisms. However, HLA-DRB104 was more frequent in patients. HLA-DRB1 variants may play a role in Q fever susceptibility, supporting the need for further investigation into their potential implications for vaccination and risk assessment.