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Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common chronic infection worldwide affecting approximately 170 million people. 80% of acutely infected people fail to eliminate the virus and develop into the chronic phase. Some studies propose that activating KIRs have an important role in the clearance of some viruses including HCV and HIV, however, they might increase the risk of acquiring autoimmune diseases. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate any possible association between HCV and some KIR genotypes. Methods KIR genotype was analyzed for 47 HCV patients and 120 healthy Lebanese individuals using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results Among HCV patients, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 34.05%, 42.55% and 23.40% with an A:B ratio of 1.24:1. As for the controls, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 39.17%, 50%, and 10.83% with an A:B ratio of 1.79:1. KIR 2DL3 and KIR 2DS4 * 001 / 002 were found to be significantly more prevalent among HCV patients as compared to controls in addition to an increase in the B haplotype. Conclusion In this first pilot prevalence study in the Mediterranean area studying KIR genotyping in HCV patients, the interesting results warrant further clinical and translational research to assess the protective or predisposing role of KIR genotypes in HCV.

Introduction The function of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by different antigen receptors including killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). In addition to their important role in fighting infection, natural killer cells produce cytotoxicity against some cancer cells. Studies demonstrated that NK cells have a reduced function in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Aim The aim of this study is to investigate KIR expression of NK cells in CLL patients to check for any association between KIR genotypes and this disease. Methods KIR genotype was analyzed for 120 healthy Lebanese patients and 56 CLL patients using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit . Results Among the 56 CLL patients, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 38%, 46%, and 16% with an A:B ratio of 1.55:1. As for the controls, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 39.17%, 50%, and 10.83% with an A:B ratio of 1.79:1. KIR 2DS4 * 001 / 002 and KIR 2DS5 were found to be significantly more prevalent among CLL patients as compared to controls. Conclusion This is the first study that reports such an interesting prevalence of KIR genes in CLL necessitating further clinical and translational research pertaining to the pathophysiology of this disease.

Introduction Mortality due to MERS-CoV infection is common especially among immunocompromised patients. The pathogenesis and the transmission mode of this virus are still not well understood. The name of the virus is derived from the area of its appearance and the genomic sequence that was used in the development of qRT-PCR assays for MERS-CoV detection was retrieved from the first detected case isolate. The employed assays target various regions including the area upstream of the envelope gene (upE) that is used for screening and the open reading frames (ORF) 1a and 1b used for confirmation. Aim This study assesses the use of a MERS-CoV specific assay for screening of respiratory samples in anticipation of the possible spread of the virus in the region. Methods 46 respiratory specimens were tested using the qualitative one-step qRT-PCR GeneSig Human Coronavirus 2012 (MERS) kit (PrimerDesign™). Results Out of the 46 tested samples, 45 were negative for MERS-CoV and one sample was found MERS-CoV positive. Conclusion The GeneSig Human Coronavirus 2012 (MERS) kit is very useful for the screening of suspected respiratory cases in the Middle East area as well as other regions., Highlights • Mortality due to MERS-CoV infection is common especially among immunocompromised patients • Several essays have been utilized to detect the virus in an attempt to diagnose it as early as possible • The Human Coronavirus 2012 GeneSig kit is a new kit that can be used for MERS-CoV detection in respiratory samples