183-P

Abstract

Aim: This study represents the first report on KIR distribution among patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).

Samples and Methods: We studied 56 unrelated Lebanese FMF patients, had their DNA typed using Sequence Specific Primer (SSP) technique for the presence of 16 KIR gene and pseudogene loci and compared them to the general Lebanese population.

Results: In addition to sharing common features with the general population, we the AA genotype was still the most frequent; however, with six new KIR profiles identified.

Conclusions: There was no statistically significant distribution of the different KIR genes between the cases (FMF patients) and controls (Lebanese population); however, an increase in the BB genotype was noted leading to an interesting future research question of whether or not KIR genotype is involved in the predisposition to or pathogenesis of FMF. This is the first report that describes the KIR genotypic profile in this important clinical disease.