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Using the distribution of the CCR5‐Δ32 allele in third‐generation Maltese citizens to disprove the Black Death hypothesis
Author(s) -
Baron B.,
SchembriWismayer P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of immunogenetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.41
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1744-313X
pISSN - 1744-3121
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2010.00984.x
Subject(s) - maltese , population , allele , biology , plague (disease) , genetics , demography , allele frequency , history , ancient history , sociology , gene , philosophy , linguistics
Summary Malta was under Norman rule for over 400 years and has had three major documented plague outbreaks (and a number of minor ones) since the 14th century with death tolls of 5–15% of the population at the time. This makes the Maltese population ideal for testing the hypothesis that the Black Death (particularly that of 1346–52) was responsible for a genetic shift that spread the CCR5‐Δ32 allele. By enrolling 300 blood donors to determine the percentage of the Maltese population resistant to HIV‐1 (which uses the CCR5‐receptor to infect cells), it was established that the CCR5‐Δ32 allele frequency is almost zero in third‐generation Maltese citizens and sequencing showed that the deletion observed in the region of interest is the 32‐base deletion expected. Thus, despite the extensive Norman occupation and the repeated plague cullings, the CCR5‐Δ32 allele frequency is extremely low. This provides a basis for the discussion of conflicting hypotheses regarding the possible origin, function and spread of the CCR5‐Δ32 deletion.