Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that is endemic in many parts of the world. 90-95% of the infected adults can clear the virus. Host genetic factors play a major role in determining the outcome of HBV infection. This study estimated the role of nonfunctional CCR5 receptor (CCRΔ32 mutation) in the recovery from hepatitis B infection among Georgian patients. Case-control study has been conducted, where study subjects with persistent HBV infection were matched to double number of individuals who had recovered from the HBV infection. The overall number of study subjects was 282 (94 cases and 188 controls). Demographic, medical and behavioral characteristics of the study participants were collected. CCR5 delta32 mutation was evaluated by PCR methodology. The overall prevalence of CCR5 receptor mutation was 13.1% (n=37). Among controls (HBsAg-) CCR5 receptor mutation was detected in 16.5% (n=31), in cases - only in 6.4% (n=6). Cases were 2.58 times less likely to have CCR5 Δ32 mutation compared to controls (OR =2.58; 95% CI 1.12, 5.98). Multivariate analysis revealed CCR5 receptor mutation and alcohol consumption as independent predictors of HBs positivity. The study gives clear evidence that genetic factors (CCR5 receptor mutation) play an important role in Hepatitis B virus persistence together with environmental/behavioral factors, such as the alcohol use.
Highlights
Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem that is endemic in many parts of the world
Some studies were focused on the investigation of the role of CCR5 receptor gene polymorphisms in the course of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection and there are reports documenting the presence of an association between CCR5 receptor and hepatitis B virus infection persistence [6,7,8,9]
The person was considered persistently infected with HBV if their serum or plasma tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at two visits separated by a minimum of 6 months
Summary
Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem that is endemic in many parts of the world. It is one of the most common causes of liver-related sequelae, including cirrhosis, fulminant liver failure, liver transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. Persistent or chronic HBV infection is among the most common persistent viral infections in humans [1]. Some studies were focused on the investigation of the role of CCR5 receptor gene polymorphisms in the course of HBV infection and there are reports documenting the presence of an association between CCR5 receptor and hepatitis B virus infection persistence [6,7,8,9]. In different reports there are controversial data regarding the nature of the association of the CCR5 polymorphisms with the natural history, disease severity and antiviral treatment responses [10,11,12,13,14]
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