C-C motif chemokine receptor-5 (CCR5) is a pro-inflammatory receptor that binds to chemokines and facilitates the entry of the R5 strain of HIV-1. A number of polymorphisms were identified within the promoter and coding regions of the CCR5 gene, some of which have been found to affect the protein expression and thus receptor function. Although several CCR5 polymorphisms were shown to vary widely in their distribution among different ethnic populations, there has been no study addressing the potential variants of the CCR5 gene in the Omani population. The aim of this study was to identify the polymorphic sites that exist within the CCR5 gene in Omanis. Blood samples were collected from 89 Omani adult individuals, and genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to identify the polymorphic sites. The distribution of the detected variants was examined and compared with the previously published data. Four new indels were detected of 32 variable positions, -2973A/-, -2894A/-, -2827TA/- and -2769T/-, and all were located in the 5'UTR. Furthermore, two new mutations, -2248G/A and +658A/G, were observed for the first time; the -2248G/A was detected in the intron 1 region in one subject and +658A/G in the coding region of the CCR5 in another subject. In silico analysis showed that the novel variations in the 5'UTR may have effects on the transcription factor binding sites. Therefore, this study demonstrates the presence of two new SNPs and four novel indels in the CCR5 gene in the Omani population. Our findings support the wide spectrum of genetic diversity reported within the CCR5 gene region among different ethnic groups.
Polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the CCR5 gene affect protein expression and modulate the progress of HIV-1 disease. Because of this prominent role, variations in this gene have been under differential pressure and their frequencies vary among human populations. The CCR2V64I mutation is tightly linked to certain polymorphisms in the CCR5 gene. The current Omani population is genetically diverse, a reflection of their history as traders who ruled extensive regions around the Indian Ocean. In this study, we examined the CCR2-CCR5 haplotypes in Omanis and compared the patterns of genetic diversity with those of other populations. Blood samples were collected from 115 Omani adults and genomic DNA was screened to identify the polymorphic sites in the CCR5 gene and the CCR2V64I mutation. Four minor alleles were common: CCR5-2554T and CCR5-2086G showed frequencies of 49% and 46%, respectively, whereas CCR5-2459A and CCR5-2135C both had a frequency of 36%. These alleles showed moderate levels of heterozygosity, indicating that they were under balancing selection. However, the well-known allele CCR5Δ32 was relatively rare. Eleven haplotypes were identified, four of which were common: HHC (46%), HHE (20%), HHA (14%) and HHF*2 (12%).
During the first wave of pandemic in 2020, the initial prodromal symptoms of COVID-19 were similar to vaccine preventable diseases like Measles apart from typical rash and probability of missing such cases during COVID-19 will lead to local spread of cases. The most significant risk lies in children below five years, especially unvaccinated expatriate children who contribute to imported cases of measles from highly endemic countries. After initial confirmation of 3 cases in April 2020, this outbreak was epidemiologically investigated in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, which included data on clinical symptoms, exposure information, travel history, immunization, and history of contact with others. Among the positive cases, 75% were girls; 6 were Afghani nationals and 2 were Pakistani nationals. However, most cases were reported between Afghani nationals 6 (75%) due to their low vaccination status. Genotyping B3 was isolated, and the virus traced back to Pakistan as the country of origin. In 2019, the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella (RVC), has declared Oman as a measles and rubella-free nation. The rationale of this study is to have a clear understanding of the events that led to the importation of genotype B3 measles outbreak in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, during initial phase of first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 which highlighted the existence of vigilant surveillance system of the country. The field investigation was done to confirm an outbreak and to prevent transmission by isolating the cases and vaccinating the unvaccinated children and lastly to make critical recommendations that should be applied to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
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