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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 In addition to their important role in fighting infection, natural killer cells are cytotoxic to cancer cells. Studies demonstrated that some KIR genes were responsible for the reduction of the risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) while others were associated with an increased risk of HL. Aim The aim of this study is to assess KIR genotypic distribution in Lebanese patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Methods KIR genotype was analyzed in 41 HL patients and 120 healthy Lebanese individuals using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results No significant association between HL and any KIR gene was found. Among HL patients, the AA, AB, and BB genotype frequencies were, respectively, 41.46%, 43.9% and 14.63% with an A:B ratio of 1.73:1. As for the controls, the AA, AB, and BB genotype frequencies were, respectively, 39.17%, 50%, and 10.83% with an A:B ratio of 1.79:1. Conclusion In this first study from the Mediterranean region, KIR genotype does not seem to be associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Further clinical and translational research is needed to rule out the protective or predisposing role of KIR genes in this important clinical entity., Highlights • KIR genotyping has been implicated in a variety of clinical and immunological disorders. • This is the second international but first Mediterranean paper describing KIR genes prevalence in Hodgkin’'s lymphoma. • Results were compared to a control sample and confirmed the negative association between KIR genes and Hodgkin’s lymphoma

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

Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells possess an antitumor activity against multiple myeloma cells proven by the susceptibility of plasmocytes to NK lysis. In the early stage of MM, the killing of MM cells is mediated by natural cytotoxicity receptors (NRC) and NKG2D-dependent pathway, while in the late stage, NK cells lose their killing potential against MM cells due to the high expression of HLA class I molecules on MM cells. Aim The aim of this paper is to study KIR expression of NK cells in MM patients and in healthy controls, to check for any association between KIR genotypes and MM. Methods KIR genotype was analyzed in 120 healthy Lebanese individuals and 34 MM patients using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results KIR 2DS4*001/002 and KIR 2DS5 were found to be significantly more prevalent among MM patients as compared to controls. For MM patients, the AA, AB, and BB genotype frequencies were, respectively, 38.23%, 47.06% and 14.71% with an A:B ratio of 1.62:1. As for the healthy controls, the AA, AB, and BB genotype frequencies were, respectively, 39.17%, 50%, and 10.83% with an A:B ratio of 1.80:1. Conclusion The interesting observation of the significant presence of KIR2DS4 and KIR2DS5 genes more among multiple myeloma patients than controls is worth further clinical, translational as well as survival research studies in these cases., Highlights • KIR genotyping has been implicated in a variety of clinical and immunological disorders. • This study is the first international research paper that describes the prevalence of KIR genes among Multiple Myeloma patients • Results were compared to a large healthy control population sample

Aims: To compare the performance of two assays used for the detection of mutations/polymorphisms in the Factor V, Factor II, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genes among patients referred for the management of a thrombotic event. Materials and Methods: We tested 40 different patient samples using two assays, the ViennaLab FV-PTH-MTHFR StripAssay and the Cepheid Xpert HemosIL. Results: The two assays were 100% concordant in their produced results with no samples failing the testing procedures in both. Conclusion: This is the first report to evaluate the performance of the ViennaLab FV-PTH-MTHFR StripAssay and the Cepheid Xpert HemosIL. Both assays can be introduced to the operation of molecular diagnostic laboratories to cover the referrals from different disciplines, especially in tertiary care centers with emergency departments.

Introduction Trends toward identifying risk factors of thrombotic complications had become essential as an attempt to prevent and decrease the incidence of the complications. Thrombosis has been associated with predisposing factors like mutations in FV, PTH, MTHFR and other genes. Aim Evaluate whether the CVD StripAssay has an added value in the screening for more thrombophilia risk factors, which may predispose for the development of cardiovascular diseases and other thrombotic clinical conditions. Methods We compared the results for 94 patients who were previously tested for Factor V, Factor II and MTHFR gene mutations using the ViennaLab FV-PTH-MTHFR StripAssay, and for whom additional testing for the Cardiovascular Disease panel (CVD StripAssay, ViennaLab) was requested. Results Using the CVD StripAssay, 66% of patients who had no mutations when tested using the FV-PTH-MTHFR StripAssay or carried a mutation for MTHFR, were found to have additional genes' SNPs or mutations that are highly associated with a risk of thrombosis as per the available international literature. Conclusion This observation is of extreme importance in clinical practice for the introduction of the extended CVD panel into routine molecular diagnostic test menus and highlights the importance of genetic analysis of the implicated genes in the management of patients with a thrombotic episode presentation., Highlights • First paper in the literature that compares the use of two assays to detect mutations in genes involved in thrombosis. • The common genes involved in thrombosis may not be enough alone to consider a patient “negative” for genetic predisposition. • Molecular diagnostics laboratories should consider expanding their services to include a more extensive genetic thrombophilia profiling.

Aims The Natural Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) genotype profiling in Follicular Lymphoma has not been reported before in the literature. Materials and methods DNA extracted from 20 Follicular Lymphoma patients and 62 healthy controls was analyzed for KIR genotyping using a polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primers technique (PCR/SSP) for the presence of 16 KIR gene and pseudogene loci. Results The AA, AB, and BB genotype frequencies were, respectively, 20%, 60% and 20% with an A:B ratio of 1:1. KIR 2DL4, KIR 3DL2, KIR 3DL3, and KIR 3DP1*003 were presented in all individuals. No significant difference between patients and controls was detected. Conclusion KIR genotyping profile does not seem to be associated with Follicular Lymphoma. The results presented in this pilot research represent the first international report about this important clinical entity.

The highly polymorphic Human Leukocyte Antigen system encompasses different loci that have been studied in transplantation as well as diseases and population associated research. This study is the first and largest of its kind to describe the distribution of HLA-A, -B and -C alleles in Lebanon. Respectively, 1994, 1309 and 1163 Lebanese individuals referred for HLA typing and possible bone marrow/kidney donation were tested for HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C alleles using the polymerase chain reaction/Sequence specific priming (PCR-SSP) method. Our data were compared to that of several populations with interesting and common findings shared with the Moroccan, Jordanian, Tunisian, Omani, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Peruan, Bulgarian, Irish, Polish, Spanish, Swiss, American, African and Brazilian populations. The following data concerning the Lebanese population will help future investigators to study the relation of HLA-A, -B and -C alleles with common diseases in Lebanon and will add to the available international literature. This new data will serve as a major reference report in the region.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesviruses family. CMV infection rarely causes serious disease in otherwise healthy individuals, however, infection/reactivation among immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), can be critical and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The detection of CMV in blood using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods is the most sensitive and specific technique providing for a well-determined preemptive treatment cutoff.This study compares the performance of two new CMV qPCR platforms, COBAS(®) Ampliprep/COBAS(®) TaqMan(®) (Roche Molecular Diagnostics) and Artus RotorGene (QIAGEN).A total of 99 patients referred for CMV testing at AUBMC were tested using the Artus CMV RG PCR kit and the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan CMV kit as per the manufacturers' recommendations.The difference between the two methods was within the allowable error for 97 out of 99 specimens (98%), with a correlation coefficient r = 0.80.The Artus CMV RG PCR Kit and the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan CMV kit are both acceptable assays that can be used for the sensitive detection and quantitation of CMV mainly in peripheral blood specimens.

The rate of laboratory referrals for thrombophilia patients' genetic workup was assessed and compared among the medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties at a major tertiary care center in Lebanon.DNA extraction was performed using the PEL-FREEZ extraction kit (PEL-FREEZ; DYNAL) and the Factor V, prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotypic profiles were done using the FV-PTH-MTHFR StripAssay kit (ViennaLab) that employs a polymerase chain reaction-reverse hybridization method. A total of 2238 referred cases were analyzed.Around 42.23% of all referred cases turned out to have a thrombosis-associated mutation. Referrals from medical and surgical specialties were almost equal. In the surgical specialty, most referrals came from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, while in the medical speciality, most of the workup referrals originated from the Hematology/Oncology physicians. However, low referral rates were reported from the emergency department and family medicine practitioners.Genetic testing for thrombophilia workup is gaining more importance among the different medical and surgical specialties and is worth being introduced into the offered test lists of all established molecular diagnostics laboratories.

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation testing has revolutionized the classification of myeloproliferative disorders, for which several tests have been introduced for qualitative and quantitative diagnostics including the MutaScreen and MutaQuant kits by IPSOGEN. One interesting technical observation are those values detected by MutaScreen kits, which have typically "indeterminate" meaning at a provided reference strand cutoff point and cannot be classified as either positive or negative for JAK2 V617F mutation.We ran 10 different patients with such a finding using the MutaQuant kit and got a better resolution and interpretation into clear-cut negative or positive cases, which were also clinically followed and confirmed as being nonmyeloproliferative or myeloproliferative entities, respectively.We propose that it is important to not consider the indeterminate or "at-the-reference strand" results obtained by MutaScreen as positive but rather perform additional testing using MutaQuant kits or other JAK2 quantitative assays. For laboratories that can afford it and utilize both assays, it may be a better strategy to directly initiate diagnostic testing using the MutaQuant rather than the MutaScreen kit.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting mostly young adult females with multifactorial etiology. Recent studies suggested that adequate vitamin D levels may lower the risk of developing MS. Objectives Our aim was to explore the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism, HLA-DR locus genotype, and serum vitamins D and A levels in the Lebanese population. Methods Fifty MS patients were recruited for this study. The control group consisted of 48 healthy and 51 patients with other neurological disorders (non-MS). Biochemical analysis included serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and vitamin A. Molecular analysis targeted VDR genotypes ( ApaI , TaqI and BsmI ) and low resolution HLA typing for DRB1 locus. Results Healthy and non-MS groups had comparable parameters and were combined into one control group. No significant differences were found between MS and control groups for VDR genotypes. The frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 was significantly higher in MS patients (22%) compared to controls (8%) (p = 0.018). Odds ratio for MS in the presence of DRB1*15 allele was 3.21 (p = 0.018). Cosegregation with A ( ApaI ) and b ( BsmI ) alleles did not influence the risk for MS. 25OHD levels were significantly higher in MS patients compared to controls (p = 0.002), due to more frequent oral supplementation (p = 0.005). Vitamin A levels were comparable between the two groups. When all parameters were included in a logistic regression model adjusted for supplementation, only HLA-DRB1*15 (OR = 3.42; p = 0.027) contributed significantly to MS risk. Conclusion There was no association between serum vitamin D or A or VDR genotypes and MS. HLA-DRB1*15 was the major factor imposing more than 3 folds greater risk for developing MS among Lebanese.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) is the most commonly identified autosomal recessive genetic disorder in the Caucasian population and HFE gene mutations are highly concentrated among European populations. This is the first study that screens for HHC-related gene mutations in a healthy Lebanese sample population.Using the reverse hybridization Hemochromatosis StripAssay A from ViennaLab, the DNA extracted from a total of 116 healthy volunteers (59 males and 57 females) was analyzed, looking for 18 different mutations in the HFE, ferroportin, and transferrin genes.For the HFE gene, the C282Y mutation was not detected, but the H63D mutation was found with an overall carrier frequency of 25.8% (24.1% heterozygous and 1.7% homozygous). None of the mutations in the transferrin and ferroportin genes was identified.The Hemochromatosis StripAssay A from ViennaLab provides an easy and reliable technique for simultaneous screening of the different HFE gene mutations. This first study in Lebanon represents a baseline report for further future studies in the field using this easy technique with a reasonable turnaround time for diagnosis. We also note that ferroportin and transferrin gene mutations have not been detected in this population sample and larger clinical studies will be needed to better estimate their prevalence.

Detection of bcr-abl transcripts is important both in diagnosis as well as in prognostication and treatment modalities of different types of leukemia, both chronic and acute. However, the techniques employed are variable and different among laboratories. Our aim was to share with other labs a strategy/algorithm that we find highly useful for implementation to best detect all bcr-abl fusion transcripts for proper patient management.We have used two techniques for the detection of bcr-abl transcripts, an in-house developed polymerase chain reaction and a real-time quantitative commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit and tested 849 patients referred for initial screening for bcr-abl.Out of 849 cases, 146 (17.2%) were positive for bcr-abl. Around 92.11% of the total bcr-abl positive cases (N=76) detected by the real-time quantitative technique were also positive by the gel-based PCR assay; however, six cases (around 7.89%) were missed by the real-time assay and detected by the other technique in chronic myelogenous leukemia-proven cases.We highly encourage other laboratories to perform testing using a simple and inexpensive gel-based PCR screening assay followed by a real-time quantitative assay for a baseline bcr-abl expression level. This combination will enable laboratories to detect all the reported fusion transcripts in accordance with the clinical presentation of the patient as well as other laboratory tests for the best use of this genetic test in patient management and care.

Contact of peripheral blood lymphocytes with Helicobacter pylori was proved to induce non- major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytotoxicity and natural killer cells are thought to play an important role in the immunity against H. pylori . Aims In this research, we investigated any possible association between killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genotypes and H. pylori infection. Methods KIR genotype was analysed in 101 Lebanese symptomatic patients (51 H. pylori positive and 50 H. pylori- negative) using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results Among the H. pylori -positive patients, the AA, AB and BB genotypical frequencies were, respectively, 43.14%, 41.18% and 15.68% with an A:B ratio of 1.76:1. The AA, AB and BB genotypes frequencies for H. pylori -negative individuals were 18%, 62% and 20%, respectively, with an A:B ratio of 0.96:1. No significant difference between patients and controls was detected. Conclusions We noticed a reduced distribution of A haplotype among the ‘ H. pylori -negative’ patients as compared with the “ H. pylori -positive” group. This is the first study in the international literature that targets the correlation between KIR genotypes and H. pylori .

To determine the frequency of positive reactions obtained using the Invivoscribe BIOMED-2 kit for B-cell gene rearrangement studies in leukemias and lymphomas.We reviewed the gel patterns for 192 samples tested, using the above-mentioned kit and matched the positive signal with the corresponding mix available in the assay kit.92.2% had immunoglobulin heavy-chain clonality, of which 74% were detected by the IgH VH-FR1+JH primer set, 75.5% by IgH VH-FR2+JH primer set, 65.1% by IgH VH-FR3+JH primer set, 26% by IgH DH+JH primer set, and 2.1% by IgH DH7+JH primer set. In addition, 55.7% had clonality in the kappa light chain, where 33.3% were positive by the IgK Vκ +Jκ primer set and 39.6% by IgK Vκ and INTR+Kde primer sets. Clonality in the lambda light chain of immunoglobulins was detected in 17.7% of specimens tested using the IgL Vλ +Jλ primer set.All primer mixes provided by the assay were positive. Thus, the Invivoscribe BIOMED-2 B-cell gene rearrangement kit is very reliable in adequately covering all targets represented by the master mixes. This assay is an integral part of the differential diagnosis of clonal populations of cells. Our report is the first in the literature that describes the full range of coverage of the BIOMED-2 primer mixes provided in this assay.

Being one of the most polymorphic genetic systems , the Human Leukocyte Antigen system is divided into class I (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C) and class II (HLA-DP, -DQ and -DR). This study is the first and largest of its kind to describe the distribution of HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 alleles in Lebanon and the region.Respectively, 560 and 563 Lebanese individuals referred for HLA typing and possible bone marrow/kidney donation were tested for HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 alleles using the polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific priming (PCR-SSP) method.Our data were compared to that of several populations with interesting common findings between the Lebanese, Jordanian, Bahraini, Saudi, Kuwaiti, Tunisian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Irish, Bulgarian and Polish populations.These data about the Lebanese population are going to aid future researchers to study the relation of HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 alleles with major and common diseases in the Lebanese population and will add to the available international literature associated with these loci. In addition it will serve as a reference for the future national bone marrow registry program in our country. We also reviewed the literature for the described association between HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 loci and different disease entities.

A total of 103 Lebanese tuberculosis (TB) cases and 38 controls without TB were studied for the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genotypic profile using polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers. Patients and controls were assigned to the AA, AB or BB genotypes based on their A or B haplotype genetic make-up, and KIR gene frequencies were compared. We found an increase in the KIR A haplotype in TB patients compared to controls, and only KIR 2DL3 was found to be significantly more prevalent among TB patients. This confirms the findings of another unique international study performed in the Mexican population showing a greater repertoire of inhibitory KIR genes among TB patients than controls.

Aim: Molecular diagnostics has markedly improved the diagnosis and workup of different clinical conditions including hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia where different genes are involved. In this report, which is the largest report in the medical literature and the first in Lebanon, we describe the prevalence of simultaneous mutations in the three major thrombophilia genes Factor V, Factor II, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Materials and Methods: Using a polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization assay for the corresponding mutations identification, 2248 referred cases were analyzed. Results: Only 25 cases were found to be simultaneously positive for the three mutations at a prevalence rate of 1.1%. Conclusion: Compared with other populations, this prevalence rate is considered high, possibly the highest, and warrants future clinical studies and follow-up.

JAK2 V617F mutation is gaining more acceptance in laboratory testing as part of the differential diagnosis work-up of myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). This report is the first of its kind from Lebanon that analyzes the distribution of this mutation among a series of referred cases to a major tertiary referral center.Real-time polymerase chain reaction using JAK2 V617F MutaScreen assay (IPSOGEN Cancer Profiler) was performed on 229 patients.JAK2 V617F mutation was found to be positive in 100% of polycythemia vera cases, 68.29% of essential thrombocythemia cases, and 55.28% of all MPD cases whereas negative in idiopathic erythrocytosis, reactive thrombocytosis, and other non-MPD cases such as acute chronic myeloid leukemias.Our unique study in this sample of Lebanese patients shows extensive similarities of positivity of JAK2 V617F as compared with the international literature and for the same categories of clinical entities. This will constitute a baseline for future clinical studies that would also help determine prognosis of cases based on the absence or presence of this mutation.

Aim Study KIR expression of NK cells in CLL patients and in healthy controls, to check for any association between KIR genotypes and CLL. Methods KIR genotype was analysed for 120 healthy Lebanese patients and 56 CLL patients. using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results KIR genotypic profile distribution among the 56 Lebanese patients with CLL is shown in Table 1 .[figure1] Table 2 shows the distribution of different KIR genotypes among the 120 healthy Lebanese controls. The content of KIR genes ranged from 6 to 15 and, as per Table 4, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 42.5%, 50%, and 7.5% with an A:B ratio of 2.08:1. Table 3 shows the distribution of different KIR genes among the 120 controls and the 56 CLL patients.[figure2] KIR 2DL4 , KIR 3DL2, and KIR 3DL3 were present in all individuals. KIR 2DS4 ∗ 001/002 and KIR 2DS5 were found to be significantly (with a p-value of 0.02 and 0.04, respectively) more prevalent among CLL patients as compared to controls. Conclusions The interesting observation of the significant presence of KIR 2DS4 and KIR 2DS5 genes more among Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia than controls is worth further clinical and translational research in the future as well as correlation with outcome of bone marrow transplantation in these cases.

Aim Study KIR expression of NK cells in MM patients and in healthy controls, to check for any association between KIR genotypes and MM. Methods KIR genotype was analysed for 120 healthy Lebanese patients and 34 MM patients. using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results The content of KIR genes ranged from 7 to 15 and as per Table 4, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 38.24%, 47.06% and 14.71% with an A:B ratio of 1.62:1. [figure1]Table 2 shows the distribution of different KIR genotypes among the 120 healthy Lebanese controls. The content of KIR genes ranged from 6 to 15 and, as per Table 4, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 42.5%, 50%, and 7.5% with an A:B ratio of 2.08:1.[figure2]Fig. 2 shows the distribution of different KIR genes among the 120 controls and the 34 MM patients. KIR 3DL2 KIR 3DL3, and KIR 3DP1∗003 were present in all individuals. KIR 2DS4∗001/002 and KIR 2DS5 were found to be significantly (with a p-value of 0.04 and 0.007, respectively) more prevalent among MM patients as compared to controls. Conclusions The interesting observation of the significant presence of KIR 2DS4 and KIR 2DS5 genes more among Multiple Myeloma than controls is worth further clinical and translational research in the future as well as correlation with outcome of bone marrow transplantation in these cases.

Aim The aim is to study NK KIR genotpyes in symptomatic patients infected with H. pylori and in H. pylori negative patients. Methods KIR genotype was analysed for 101 Lebanese symptomatic patients (51 H. pylori -positive and 50 H. pylori -negative) using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit. Results KIR genotypic profile distribution among the 51 Lebanese patients with Helicobacter pylori is shown in Table 1 . The content of KIR genes ranged from 5 to 13 and as per Table 4, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 43.14%, 41.18% and 15.68% with an A:B ratio of 1.76:1. Table 2 [figure1] shows the distribution of different KIR genotypes among the 50 Helicobacter pylori -negative Lebanese patients. The content of KIR genes ranged from 7 to 13 and, as per Table 4, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 18%, 62%, and 20% with an A:B ratio of 0.96:1. [ Table 1 ] Conclusions Although there was no statistical significance in the difference between the KIR gene distributions among the two compared groups, we noticed a reduced distribution of A haplotype among the “H pylori negative” patients as compared to the “H. Pylori positive” group. This means that more activating genes (through a B haplotype) are present in the former group which may explain faster eradication of the organism.