Genetic susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity: how many are at risk?

Abstract

To assess the occurrence of two mutations associated with susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Genetic analysis of anonymized, residual diagnostic specimens. One occurrence of the A1555G mutation and seven occurrences of the 961delT + C(n) nucleotide change were found. Two previously unreported sequence changes, T961G and 956-960insC, were also found in six and five specimens, respectively. Genetic susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity may be more common than previously suspected. Further study of the 961delT + C(n) mutation is recommended to confirm its role in aminoglycoside ototoxicity and assess penetrance and variability with and without exposure to aminoglycoside antibiotics.