McGill researchers discover gene that controls speed of TB infection

MONTREAL (CP) - Montreal scientists have discovered a gene that controls the speed at which patients develop tuberculosis.

The discovery "helps to better understand the disease's mechanism," said Dr. Erwin Schurr, a molecular geneticist and lead researcher on his subject. The study will be published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Scientists at the McGill University Health Centre focused their research on a gene called NRAMP1, already known to be involved in many other illnesses, including leprosy and rheumatoid arthritis.

The discovery found that the gene controlled the speed at which the disease develops, rather than if it developed at all, said Dr. Schurr.

"This is the first time a gene has been shown to control the time frame between the initial infection and the disease."

It is estimated that at least two billion people are infected with the bacteria, but only five to 10 per cent develop the disease. It remains dormant in the majority of people.

Many people believe the illness has been eradicated because it's rarely talked about in North America and Europe. Yet, it is still present in some parts of the former Soviet Union and in developing countries.

Tuberculosis is characterized by a loose cough, fever and severe weakness. The bacteria is transmitted through the air when a person coughs or sneezes.