Role of CCR5Δ32 mutation in protecting patients with Schistosoma mansoni infection against hepatitis C viral infection or progression.

Schistosomiasis has been incriminated in the significant increase in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, although the association has not been adequately explained. We hypothesized that the CCR5Δ32 mutation may be involved in the high prevalence of HCV with schistosomiasis. The aim was to explore the association between the CCR5Δ32 mutation in schistosomiasis patients and protection against HCV infection or progression.