Polymorphisms of the NRAMP1 gene: distribution and susceptibility to the development of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Greek population.

Background Ample evidence suggests that host genetic factors affect human susceptibility to tuberculosis. The natural resistance–associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene seems to play a role in the pathophysiology of a number of intracellular infections, including mycobacteria. A case-control study was conducted in the Greek population to determine whether NRAMP1 polymorphisms affect the susceptibility to development of overt pulmonary tuberculosis.