Association of interleukin-6 (174 G/C) and interleukin-12B (1188 A/C) gene polymorphism with expression and risk of Japanese encephalitis disease in North Indian population

Background Japanese encephalitis is an acute inflammatory disease caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). In this study we aim to determine the association of IL-6 (174) and IL-12B (1188A/C) gene polymorphisms with JEV susceptibility, disease severity and outcomes in north Indian population. Methods This study was performed an equal number of cases and control individuals (125). Gene polymorphism has been analyzed by PCR-RFLP and expression by ELISA. Results Homozygous(C/C) genotypes of IL-12B were significantly associated with protection in JE infection (p = 0.008, OR = 0.368) whereas IL-6 was not associated with JEV infection (p = 0.269, OR = 1.245). The C allele of IL-6 was associated with protection in JE disease and G/C genotype was associated with outcomes with recovered individuals. Conclusion IL-12B gene polymorphism leads to increase level of IL-12B in JE patients, which can contribute to JE susceptibility and disease severity. IL-6 polymorphism has not been associated with susceptibility of JE. Overall, this is the first information from northern India shows association of IL-6 and IL-12B polymorphisms with JE disease.