Delta-F508 cystic fibrosis mutation is not linked to intussusception: implications for rotavirus vaccine

Objective: To determine whether the cystic fibrosis (CF) delta-F508 gene mutation predisposes to intussusception, and so selects infants who should not receive rotavirus vaccine. METHODS: Stored neonatal screening blood spots, retrieved from 81 infants with intussusception and from 79 controls, were tested for the presence of the CF delta-F508 gene mutation. RESULTS: Prevalence of the mutation was similar in blood specimens from intussusception patients and from controls. Conclusion: Testing for the CF delta-F508 mutation at birth is unlikely to identify infants predisposed to intussusception, and therefore is not relevant to rotavirus vaccine programs.