title: IL28B SNP screening and distribution in the French Canadian population using a rapid PCR-based test.
abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the proximity of the interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene can predict spontaneous resolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and response to interferon therapy. Screening for this polymorphism has become part of the standard criteria for the management of HCV-infected patients, hence the need for a rapid, cost-effective screening method. Here, we describe a rapid PCR-based test to screen for two IL28B SNPs (rs12979860 and rs8099917). We used this test to investigate IL28B polymorphism and prevalence in a cohort of French Canadian injection drug users who are part of a unique population known to have a strong genetic founder effect. This population had lower linkage disequilibrium between the two tested SNPs as compared to other cohorts (|d'| = 0.68, r = 0.59). The special genetic makeup should be considered in the management of HCV-infected patients within that population.
authors: Hôpital St-Luc, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
authors: Jean-François
authors: JF
authors: Gélinas
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Fabre
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Willems
authors: Reynold C
authors: RC
authors: Leung
authors: Jacob
authors: J
authors: George
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Willems
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Bruneau
authors: Naglaa H
authors: NH
authors: Shoukry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons; D007378:Interleukins / Q000235:genetics*; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D015995:Prevalence; D000095022:Interferon Lambda
chemical_list: D007372:Interferons; D007378:Interleukins; C000624353:interferon-lambda, human; D000095022:Interferon Lambda