TMEM173 rs7447927 genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to severe enterovirus 71 infection in Chinese children

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to explore the association between the TMEM173 polymorphism (rs7447927) and the severity of enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection among Chinese children. METHODS: The TMEM173 polymorphism was identified in EV71‐infected patients (n = 497) and healthy controls (n = 535) using the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR). The interferon‐α (IFN‐α) serum levels were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The frequencies of the GG genotype and G allele of TMEM173 rs7447927 in the mild EV71 infection and severe EV71 infection groups were markedly higher than those in the control group. The GG genotype and G allele frequencies in severely infected EV71 patients were significantly higher than those in mildly infected EV71 patients. Severely infected EV71 patients with the GG genotype had higher white blood cell counts (WBC), and C‐reactive proteins (CRP), and blood glucose (BG) levels, longer fever duration, higher vomiting frequency, spirit changes, and electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities. IFN‐α serum concentration in severely infected patients was significantly higher than in the mildly infected group. The IFN‐α concentration in the GG genotype was significantly higher compared with those in the GC and CC genotypes in severe cases. CONCLUSIONS: The TMEM173 rs7447927 polymorphism was associated with EV71 infection susceptibility and severity. The G allele and GG genotype are susceptibility factors in the development of severe EV71 infection in Chinese children.