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ATLANTA—Because humans share a very similar genetic organization with many animals (e.g., mice, cows, and pigs), understanding the genes that control these animals' response to infection improves our understanding of similar human genes, says an article in Emerging Infectious Diseases, CDC's peer-reviewed journal, which tracks new and reemerging infections worldwide.
Mapping the genetic makeup of humans and other animals may locate specific genes that control the body's reaction to an infection and improve disease treatments. First, the gene that controls disease response has to be identified in mice, for example, through testing. Next, say the authors, "The genes can be tested as candidates for human disease."
The authors examined three genes, including one that controls response to Salmonella infection. The mouse gene does this by controlling the ability of white blood cells to ingest and destroy Salmonella. Mouse strains with one genetic configuration can rapidly rid the mouse of infection, whereas mice with a different genetic composition cannot ward off the infection and develop chronic infection. In the three examples the authors present, the genetic map of the mouse helped pinpoint the human gene responsible for disease.
To completely understand human infectious diseases, we must be able to identify and characterize the genes that control the body's responses to infection. The authors hope that the..."rapid advances in genetic mapping of organisms in animals and humans will allow...a more complete understanding of human genetic resistance to infection."
For more information, contact Danielle Malo at 514-934-8261 (fax) or mc76@musica.mcgill.ca. Access the full article at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol5no1/qureshi.htm. All material in Emerging Infectious Diseases is in the public domain and may be used without special permission; proper citation, however, is appreciated.
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