Level of Interferon-gamma and Interleukin-12 in Several Genotypes of HCV Infections

Background and Objective: The genotypes of HCV display different geographic distribution in worldwide, also as a marker of immune response to antiviral therapy and serves as a guideline for the duration of therapy. The outcome of HCV infection is determined by the host immune response, eradication of HCV depending on rapid induction of immunity. The failure to produce an effective immune response during acute infection is a key factor in the development of chronic hepatitis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between genotype specific region of HCV in West Sumatra toward the level of gamma (INF-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). Materials and Methods: This study combined the molecular examination for determining the genotype of hepatitis C virus and ELISA method for investigating the level of INF-γ and IL-12 in blood serum of patient with HCV infection. The data were analyzed by using Student t test. Results: A total of 75 samples, only 53 samples were successfully sequenced in the region of NS5B. The result of study found three different genotypes of HCV (Genotype 1, 2 and 3). The highest frequency of HCV genotype was Genotype-1 (N = 39, 73.58%) and subtype-1a was the most HCV subtype was frequently found. The average of IFN-γ level in HCV genotype 1, 2 and 3 was 10.85, 8.75 and 10.56 pg mLG1, respectively. The average of IL-12 level was 4.08, 5.00 and 3.64 pg mLG1, respectively. This study found that there were no significant differences of IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in HCV genotype 1, 2 and 3. Conclusion: The level of IFN-γ and IL-12 did not differ significantly in HCV genotype 1, 2 and 3. HCV genotype-1 was the most genotype found in all sample.