Host-pathogen interactions in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases: A genomic perspective of tuberculosis, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis B, and cholera

On exposure to a pathogen, a host may resist infection, become subclinicall y infected, or progress through several stages from mild to severe infectio n. Chronic sequelae may or may not occur. Host factors, particularly host g enes, influence many of these stages. We have used a model of the continuum of pathogenesis of infectious diseases to consider the effect of host gene s on five pathogens of significant public health burden: Mycobacterium tube rculosis, Plasmodium species, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B vir us, and Vibrio cholerae. The relationships between these infections and pol ymorphisms in human leukocyte antigen, cytokines, other immune response, or pathogen receptor genes are reviewed. We discuss gene-gene interactions an d their effects in complex settings, such as coinfections with several path ogens. Priorities for prevention and control of these pathogens include vac cines and antimicrobial drugs. Research on how host genes can influence vac cine responses and the efficacy of drugs or other interventions, as well as further research into the relationship of host genes to infectious disease outcomes, may lead to new strategies for prevention and control.