Geographic variation and environmental conditions as cofactors in Chlamydia psittaci association with ocular adnexal lymphomas: a comparison between Italian and African samples

• DOI: 10.1002/hon.921
• Publication Date: 2009-09-03T07:29:55Z
• Authors: Alessandro Carugi; Anna Onnis; Giuseppina Antoni...; Benedetta Rossi; Susanna Mannucci; Anna Luzzi; Stefano Lazzi; Cristiana Bellan; Gian Marco Tosi; Shaheen Sayed; Giulia De Falco; Lorenzo Leoncini
• Keywords: Chlamydia psittaci; Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

Abstract A particular extra‐nodal lymphoma type arises from B cells of the marginal zone (MZ) mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The aetiology MZ lymphomas suggests that they are associated with chronic antigenic stimulation by microbial pathogens, among which Helicobacter pylori ‐associated gastric MALT is best studied. Recently, have been described in context conjunctivitis, can be Chlamydia spp. infection. Studies Italy showed presence psittaci 87% ocular adnexal (OAL), and C. has a large part samples Austria Korea as well. However, this finding was not always confirmed other studies, suggesting association may depend on geographic heterogeneity. Interestingly, none studies up to now carried out African population, where strong between infectious agents occurrence human neoplasms reported. This study designed investigate possible cases retrieved Kenya, compared Italy. Our results there marked variation two geographical areas terms , 17% (5/30) were positive for whereas no pathogen observed any (0/9), cofactors determine OAL those areas. often characterized down‐regulation p16/INK4a expression promoter hypermethylation gene. partial methylation ‐negative cases, gene found ‐positive mechanisms than lead silencing cases. We conclude role epidemiologic, environmental genetic factors, must considered disease. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.