Potential genetic markers for prediction of treatment response in Egyptian children infected with HCV genotype 4

Background: Egypt has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Limitations of the current HCV treatment in children are low rate of sustained virological response, significant side effects and high expenses, making prediction of treatment response crucial. Aim: This study aimed to investigate association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukins (IL) 10, 28 and 29 genes in predicting the response to therapy in HCV infected children. Methods: Sixty-six Egyptian children infected with HCV genotype 4, receiving pegylated interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin, were included. Genotyping of six SNPs in interleukin 10, 28B and 29 gene as well as HCV genotype were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The CC genotype in IL28B; rs12979860 had 8.547 folds higher chance to develop sustained virological response than CT and TT genotypes (P = 0.014). Genotype distribution of rs8099917 in IL28B gene (TG and GG genotypes) was found to be 3.348 more likely not to respond to treatment than the TT genotype (P = 0.018). In multivariate analysis, interleukin 28 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs 12979860, interleukin 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms −592A > C and basal viral load were independent variables that significantly improved prediction of response to HCV therapy. Conclusion: This association can be translated into clinical decision making for HCV treatment.