Characteristics of the HCV infection and the factors affecting the course among pregnant and children population in Georgia

Abstract

Studies accumulating till now have convinced that interleukin-28B (IL28B) have the strongest association with the spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. Interleukin 28 (IL28) is a cytokine that plays an important role in the development of the immune response against viruses. In frames of the study for the first time in Georgia, was found the factors which influence the spontaneous clearance or Chronicle of HCV among infected youngsters and pregnant population. Also it was found major rather than common risk factors wich were in association with the presence of HCV antibodies in pregnant women. Total number of positive pregnant women for HCV antibodies were 138 (from 1876). Women seen in maternity houses in Tbilisi (Capital of Georgia) and were recruited for the study. 86 HCV positive child was involved from five clinics. We studied the polymorphism of the interleukin 28 (IL28) gene (namely rs12979860 gene locus) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (SACACE Biotechnologies IL28B rs17 / rs0 Real-TM PCR Kit, Como, Italy). The PCR test allowed us to distinguish the following genetic variants: homozygous CC, TT, and heterozygous CT. Women who reported visiting the dentist twice a year were much more likely to have anti-HCV (aOR=9.91, p<0.001). A history of surgery was also associate with having anti-HCV (aOR=4.35, p><0.001). Abortions had the strongest association with anti-HCV presence, with a clear doseresponse relationship. Children who have the non-CC variant of the IL28B gene have high HCV clearance.>