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Factors Associated with Persistence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

George Kamkamidze, Tamar Kikvidze, Maia Butsashvili and Olga Chubinishvili

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.