Bantu Tanzanians have a decreased capacity to metabolize omeprazole and mephenytoin in relation to their CYP2C19 genotype*

Abstract

Tanzanians have a decreased capacity to metabolize both omeprazole and mephenytoin when their genotype is compared with metabolic capacity and genotype in other previously studied populations. We identified a low frequency of the Asian allele (CYP2C19*3). Although we did not find any new mutations, our results may be consistent with the presence of yet-unidentified mutations of CYP2C19 that causes decreased CYP2C19 activity in the Tanzanian population.