Fcγ receptor IIIA polymorphism as a risk factor for acute poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that causes flaccid paralysis in similar to1% of cases. The Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G (FcgammaR) are associated with modifying effects of several infectious and autoimmune diseases. To assess the influence of FcgammaR polymorphisms on the acute and late course of poliomyelitis, 110 Norwegian patients with well-defined histories of acute poliomyelitis were genotyped, of whom 50 suffered from the postpolio syndrome (PPS). In comparison with healthy control subjects without a history of poliomyelitis, significantly fewer patients had the FcgammaRIIIA genotype V/V (P < .01). However, this genotype was not an in dependent risk factor for PPS. The Fc gamma RIIA and IIIB genotypes and allele frequencies did not differ between the patients and control subjects. The Fc gamma RIIIA V/V genotype may lower the risk for contracting acute poliomyelitis through better clearance of poliovirus.