Abstract
The outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection varies among individuals. To elucidate the host genetic factors involved in the outcome, we conducted a population-based association study in which 238 individuals positive for anti-HCV antibody were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the selected candidate genes. Those were seronegative for HBs antigen and had no history of anti-viral therapy. Allelic and genotypic analyses of SNPs were performed between the subjects with and without viremia. Twelve SNPs in 10 genes were listed as candidate genetic polymorphisms that might influence the viremia status. These may reflect the genetic variations in HCV-infected individuals that are associated with susceptibility to infection, viral replication and immunity against HCV. It is important to define the function of these genes with regard to HCV infection.
