Duplication in CHIT1 Gene and the Risk for Aspergillus Lung Disease in CF Patients

Title: Duplication in Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) Gene and the Risk for Aspergillus Lung Disease in CF Patients. Aim: To evaluate the link between CHIT1 duplication in CF patients and the predisposition to ABPA or persistent Aspergillus infection. Patients: 40 CF patients. Design: Observational, single visit. Methods: All patients will be assessed for pulmonary function tests (PFT), sputum cultures, and blood tests for: CHIT1 duplication, immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Eosinophils levels. Part of the patients will be assessed for RAST, skin prick test. Primary outcome measure is the difference in CHIT1 genotyping between the groups.