Interleukin 28B Polymorphism Predicts Treatment Outcome Among Egyptian Patients Infected With HCV Genotype 4

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Egypt faces a high prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), leading to significant liver disease burden.
• HCV genotype 4 is prevalent in Egypt, and treatment outcomes vary.
• Interleukin-28B (IL-28B) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to HCV treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between IL-28B SNP rs12979860 and treatment outcomes in Egyptian HCV genotype 4 patients.
• To identify genetic predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) in this population.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of Egyptian HCV patients for the IL-28B rs12979860 polymorphism (CC, CT, TT).
• Case-control study design.
• Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations.

Main Results:

• The minor allele of IL-28B (rs12979860) was associated with non-response (NRs).
• High HCV-RNA levels and advanced fibrosis also correlated with NRs.
• The rs12979860 CC genotype was the strongest predictor of SVR (Odds Ratio = 20.83, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• The IL-28B rs12979860 SNP is a significant predictor of SVR in Egyptian patients with HCV genotype 4.
• This genetic marker can aid in personalizing HCV treatment strategies.