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.