Study of host‐ and virus‐related factors associated with spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance

Abstract

Epidemiologic parameters, virologic characteristics and frequency of HLA class II DR and DQ antigens were compared between 63 subjects with spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance (group 1) and 282 patients with chronic active hepatitis C virus infection (group 2). DRB1*1101 and moreover DQB1*0301 alleles were more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (33.8% vs. 14.7% and 64.4% vs. 28.6%; P=0.012 and P=0.003, respectively). The frequency of DQB1*02 was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (25.4% vs. 49%; P=0.04). No difference was observed in viral genotype distribution between group 1 and group 2. Univariate analysis showed that female sex and contamination by intravenous drug use were associated with self limited infection. However, by multivariate analysis, the only independent factor associated with hepatitis C virus RNA clearance was female sex (P=0.004). In conclusion, spontaneous hepatitis C virus RNA clearance is determined by class II antigens (mainly DQB1*0301) and female sex, while viral genotype plays no role.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C infection in young adults of district Bannu

“…In 2009, Ali et al, [32] studied the HCV prevalence in various age groups in which prevalence rate was more in males as compared to females in accordance with our study which was 12% in males young adults and 6% in females (Table3). The young female adults are little affected as compared to male young adults.…”

Host genetic determinants in hepatitis C virus infection

“…4,16,17,25,32,35,39,41,52 One study, however, reported an opposite effect for DQB1*0301. 48 Several of these studies on susceptibility to HCV compared individuals with chronic HCV infection to healthy controls.…”

“…54 Another allele that has been correlated with selflimiting HCV is DRB1*1101. 16,17,35,39,50 An Italian study found a protective role for the DR5 sero-group against HCV infection. 51 The molecularly-defined DRB1*1100 and DRB1*1200 groups of alleles are part of the serologically defined DR5 group.…”

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in the Population of Albania for the Period 2007-2010

“…Such a significant difference is observed in a study conducted in the years 1999-2002 (21) (Figure 2). The least incidence of HCV in females could be attributed to low exposure to HCV risk factors due to male dominating society of the area and also the estrogens hormone in females is considered to play a role in the spontaneous clearance of HCV infection (22)(23)(24).…”