Objective: To explore the necessity of large-scale screening of mtDNA A1555G mutation in prevention of aminoglycoside antibiotic induced deafness (AAID) and to develop a feasible method to prevent AAID.
Methods: A total of 1836 patients with non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI), 1352 students of schools for deaf-mutes in 11 provinces and municipality in China, 413 out-patients, and 71 persons from the families with maternal relatives suffering from AAID, underwent questionnaire survey and/or PCR for A-to-G mutation at nucleotide 1555 of the mitochondrial genome.
Results: Sixty three patients with mtDNA A1555G mutation were found among the 1836 NSHI patients. Fifty-two maternal pedigrees were identified. 536 cases with normal hearing from these pedigrees were informed to avoid using aminoglycoside antibiotics (AmAn).
Conclusion: Large-scale screening of mtDNA A1555G mutation and relevant health education to avoid use of AmAn are effective to prevent ototoxicity in the A1555G carriers and their maternal relatives.