Variable Number Tandem Repeat Polymorphism of the Interleukin‐1 Receptor Antagonist Gene in Meningococcal Disease

Abstract
SIR—We read with interest the article by Witkin et al. [1] that described the role of the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene in different disease states. The role of the IL-1Ra VNTR polymorphism in meningococcal disease (MCD) has not, to our knowledge, previously been studied, and therefore we aimed to determine whether this polymorphism might influence susceptibility to disease, disease severity, or disease type