Researchers used a genealogical population database to analyze 651 individuals with codes indicating the presence of SSI and hospital controls matched for birth year, sex and birthplace. The researchers estimated the relative risk for SSI by comparing the number of relatives of SSI cases and of controls who were affected.
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There was significant excess relatedness, or familial clustering, for patients with SSI; the excess remained when close relationships were excluded, according to the study. The relative risk for third-degree relatives of SSI patients was significantly increased. The authors concluded that the excess relatedness and high relative risk indicate a possible genetic predisposition to acquiring SSI.
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