Background. Polymorphisms nearby IL28B have been associated with reduced spontaneous or treatment-associated HCV clearance, but the influence of theses polymorphisms on cytomegalovirus (CMV) is not well described. We explored the role of IL28B polymorphisms on the incidence of CMV infection and disease in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

Methods. The STCS is a nationwide prospective cohort of SOT recipients in Switzerland. IL28B gene was genotyped using a custom-made Illumina Golden Gate Genotyping assay on Beadxpress®. 2 polymorphisms were investigated (rs8099917 and rs12980275, a surrogate for rs12979860). Associations were assessed by cumulative incidence (log-rank test) and Cox regression models after adjustment for relevant covariates.

Results. 1099 Caucasian SOT recipients (kidney N=670, liver N=187, lung N=148, heart N=79, pancreas/islets N=15 and combined organs N=45) were included (2008-2011). 381 (35%) patients received antiviral prophylaxis. 338 (31%) patients developed CMV viremia and 57 (5.2%) developed CMV disease. rs8099917 polymorphism was associated with a higher incidence of CMV viremia(HR 1.59, p=0.03), particularly in those patients not receiving antiviral prophylaxis (HR 1.97, p=0.006), although the association did not remain significant after correcting for CMV serostatus (p=0.29 and p=0.19, respectively). There was no association between IL28B polymorphisms and CMV disease (rs8099917; HR 1.39, p=0.13 and rs12980275; HR 1.17, p=0.34).

Conclusion. Polymorphisms in IL28B may influence susceptibility to CMV infection in SOT recipients, especially in patients not receiving antiviral prophylaxis.

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