CCR5-Δ32 gene variant frequency in the Nigerian and Zimbabwean populations living in North Cyprus

• Main Authors: Ergoren, M.C (Author), Fahrioğlu, U. (Author), Mocan, G. (Author), Ndikom, B.C (Author), Sayan, M. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Makerere University, Medical School 2022
• Subjects: CCR5; CCR5-Δ32; HIV; Nigerian; North Cyprus; Zimbabwean
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Background: The cystine-cystine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is the primary HIV co-receptor involved in the viral entry process into human cells. The 32 bp deletion variant within the CCR5 gene (CCR5-Δ32) plays a very important role in viral recognition and progression of AIDS. Objective: The current study was aimed at evaluating the CCR5-Δ32 gene variation frequency in Nigerian and Zimbabwean populations residing in Northern Cyprus. Methods: A total number of 211 subjects (103 Nigerians and 108 Zimbabweans) were analyzed. Nigerian population was further analyzed with respect to the three major ethnicities: Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to determine the CCR5-Δ32 gene variant status. Results: All studied subjects from both sampling groups were homozygous for the CCR5 wild type gene (CCR5-wt), meaning neither heterozygous nor homozygous genotypes of CCR5-Δ32 gene variant were observed. Conclusion: This study observed the absence of CCR5-Δ32 deletion gene in the Nigeria and Zimbabwean populations living in Northern Cyprus. These populations lack the genetic advantage over HIV infection and may also show a rapid progression towards AIDS. Additionally, these populations could impact the local gene frequency as these two populations interact more and more. © 2022 Ndikom BC et al. Licensee African Health Sciences.