Influence of IFNG rs2069709 on the severity of varicella in children.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To assess the association between IFNG rs2069709 genotypes (CC, AC), as well as demographic factors such as sex and age, with the risk of complicated varicella in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 132 children with confirmed varicella. Genotyping was performed using PCR with the TaqMan Genotyping Assay. Statistical analysis comprised the χ2 test, allele frequency evaluation, and logistic regression to determine the effects of genotype, sex, and age on disease severity. RESULTS: Results: The AC genotype was detected in 67.2% of children, while the CC genotype accounted for 20.3%; samples lacking genotype data (12.5%) were excluded from analysis. The C allele predominated in the uncomplicated group (64.2%), whereas the A allele was more frequent among children with complicated varicella (41.3%). Logistic regression demonstrated a tendency toward increased risk of complicated disease in AC carriers (OR=2.05; p=0.10). Sex and age showed no significant association with disease severity (p>0.05). Although statistical significance was not reached, the findings indicate that variability in the IFNG locus may influence individual immune responses to varicella-zoster virus. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The IFNG rs2069709 C allele may act as a protective factor against severe varicella, while the A allele may increase susceptibility to complications. The observed trend for the AC genotype highlights the potential role of genetic markers in predicting disease course. Larger studies are required to confirm these associations and clarify their underlying mechanisms.