The Effect of Interleukin 28 B Polymorphism on Sustained Virology Response (SVR) in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

The effect of IL 28 B polymorphism on sustained virology response (SVR) in patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 varies among races. Multiple studies have shown that the SVR is two or three times higher in patients with CC genotype compared to those with TT genotype. This study aims to assess the relationship between IL 28 B polymorphism and SVR in Iranian patients.In a cross-sectional study, 48 patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 who underwent PCR testing six months following treatment were divided into two groups, SVR positive and negative in order to compare IL 28 B polymorphism.The SVR rate was higher in patients who presented with high baseline ALT levels, independent of IL 28 B genotype (p=0.023). Logistic regression analysis showed a higher SVR rate in patients with CC genotype compared to TT genotype (p=0.007, OR=29.333, CI=2.558–336.387), however no significant difference was noted between TC and TT genotypes (p=0.177, OR=2.887, CI=0.618-13.496). Additionally, there was a significant difference between CC and non-CC groups (TC, TT) in SVR rate (p=0.017, OR=13.750, CI=1.602– 118.061). A high SVR rate was seen in the C group (CC, TC) when compared with the TT genotype (p=0.036, OR=4.923, CI=1.111–21.816). The sensitivity, specificity,PPV and NPV of the IL 28 B genotype in predicting SVR was 88.8%, 38%, 64.8% and 72.8%, respectively. In addition; although the CC genotype was positive, the sensitivity and NPV were increased to 91.6% & 95.2% respectively.This study confirms the relationship between IL 28 B genotype and SVR rate in the patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1. It seems; IL 28 B genotype could be the reasonable Lab.test for treatment plan of the problematic cases of the patients with ChronicHepatitis C.