Hepatitis B infection outcome is associated with novel human leukocyte antigen variants in Ghanaian cohort.

ABSTRACT

IMPACT STATEMENT Genetic association studies can determine the effect size of gene loci on disease outcomes. In the arena of HBV infections, HLA alleles that associate with HBV outcomes can be used in clinical management decisions. This potential translational utility can shape the future management of HBV infections by identifying at-risk individuals and tailoring medical interventions accordingly. This precision medicine motif is currently only a nascent idea. However, it has stakes that may well override the current "wait and see" approach of clinical management of HBV infections. Here, we have identified HLA alleles associated with HBV outcome in a Ghanaian cohort. Our findings support the motif that HLA alleles associate with HBV outcome along geo-ethnic lines. This buttresses the need for further population pivoted studies. In the long term, our findings add to efforts towards the development of an HLA molecular-based algorithm for predicting HBV infection outcomes.