Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Gene Polymorphism and Its Association With Bacterial Meningitis in Young Children.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) gene polymorphism and bacterial meningitis in young children.

METHODS

This case-control study enrolled 88 children with bacterial meningitis and 88 age-matched healthy controls. LTA4H rs17525495 polymorphism was detected by TaqMan quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Serum levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Genotype distribution, allele frequency and mediator levels were compared between groups.

RESULTS

The TT genotype and T allele frequencies were significantly higher in cases than in controls (both P < 0.05). Serum LTB4 and LXA4 levels were elevated in the study group (P < 0.001), with TT carriers exhibiting the highest concentrations, followed by CT and CC carriers (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed CT carriers had a 3.8-fold and TT carriers a 5.6-fold increased risk of bacterial meningitis compared to CC carriers. The TT genotype was also associated with higher complication rates (odds ratio = 4.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.85-9.54).

CONCLUSION

LTA4H rs17525495 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to bacterial meningitis in young children. The TT genotype correlates with higher disease risk and may serve as a genetic susceptibility marker.