Genetic polymorphism in IL28B is associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection in an Egyptian cohort

J Infect Dis. 2011 Nov;204(9):1391-4. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jir536. Epub 2011 Sep 20.

Abstract

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around IL28B are associated with spontaneous hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance of genotypes 1 and 3 in white and African-American populations. This study investigated whether the IL28B SNP (rs12979860) is associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV, principally genotype 4, in 162 Egyptians (80 with clearance). The protective C allele was more common in those with spontaneous clearance (76.3% vs 57.9%; P = .0006). Individuals with clearance were 3.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-6.5) times more likely to have C/C genotype. Thus, IL28B plays a role in spontaneous clearance of HCV genotype 4 in North Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Hepacivirus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / genetics*
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Interferons
  • Interleukins / genetics*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*

Substances

  • interferon-lambda, human
  • Interleukins
  • Interferons