OBJECTIVE: The impact of 8-oxoguanine glycosylase-1 gene variation on viral load suppression among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infected subjects is not uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the potential impact of 8-oxoguanine glycosylase-1 (OGG1) variations on the risk of developing HIV infection and disease progression among HIV-infected subjects in Osogbo, Nigeria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 HIV-positive subjects [100 newly diagnosed patients and 100 on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART)] attending the outpatient clinic dedicated to People Living with HIV (PLWH) at Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and 100 HIV-negative subjects as controls. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant medical and socio-demographic information. A multistage random technique was employed in recruiting subjects for the study. Viral Load was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction and 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1), Ser326Ser (CC), Cys326Cys (GG) and Ser-326Cys (CG) genotypes were determined by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. Data obtained were analyzed using Student t-test, Chi-square, analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: Ser326Ser genotypes were more frequent in PLWH (RR=1.4, OR=3.3, CI=1.53-7.13), indicating that allelotype C may be associated with a higher risk of HIV infection. Cys326Cys and

Cys326Ser genotypes were less frequent in those with viral load >1,000 copies/mL, suggesting that having genotype Ser326Ser (RR= 3.226 OR=4.286 CI=0.828-22.173) may be associated with a

higher risk of having viral loads >1,000 copies/mL.

CONCLUSIONS: Single nucleotide polymorphism of OGG1 may play a significant role in the individual’s susceptibility to HIV infection, response to HAART and disease progression. Knowledge of the genetic mutations at an individual level may be beneficial in personalizing HAART therapies and improving their efficacy, especially in patients who show poor response to treatment.