HCMV gB genotype and its association with cytokine levels in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Glycoprotein B (gB) has been implicated in determining the pathogenicity and clinical outcomes of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) disease.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of gB genotypes in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and the relationship between it and cytokine levels in saliva and blood samples. The impact of these parameters on patients' survival was also investigated.
Methods: Samples were obtained from 63 patients receiving an allo-HSCT. HCMV gB genotyping was carried out by multiplex nested PCR. The cytokine levels were assessed using ELISA assay.
Results: A single or mixed genotype infection was detected in the saliva and blood of 36/63 and 52/63 subjects, respectively. Patients with gB2 in their saliva showed lower IL-10 levels in comparison with patients without gB2. Reduced blood levels of IFN-γ and IL-1β were also found in recipients with the HCMV gB4 genotype compared with patients without it. Decreased IL-1β and increased IL-10 blood levels were associated with lower survival. However, HCMV gB genotypes have no impact on patient outcome.
Conclusion: Decreased IL-1β and increased IL-10 levels in the blood are associated with lower survival. HCMV genotypes are associated with different cytokine levels in saliva and blood.
(© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)