The Gene Frequency of the CCR5 Delta 32 Allele from a Population in Northeastern Ohio

This study tested for the presence of the delta-32 (Δ32) deletion mutation in the CCR5 gene. This deletion mutation was studied within a group of fifty individuals from Northeastern Ohio. It has been shown that those who are homozygous for Δ32 are less likely to contract HIV. Those who are heterozygous for Δ32 are carriers and are known to progress to AIDS slower than homozygous wild type. Our preliminary results indicate that five individuals from this study are heterozygous for Δ32.  Currently we are continuing to study the deletion mutation as well as other mutation within the population of Northeastern Ohio.