Genetic variant rs16944 in IL1B gene is a risk factor for early-onset sepsis susceptibility and outcome in preterm infants.

Objective: Interleukin-1-B (IL1B) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between IL1B-511G/A polymorphism and susceptibility and outcome of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in preterm infants.

Methods: DNA was extracted from the buccal swabs of 471 (285 with EOS and 186 control) preterm infants. Genotypes of rs16944 polymorphism were determined with real-time PCR method.

Results: We found statistically significant higher frequency of IL1B-511AA genotype in EOS group than in control group (p = 0.012). Also, IL1B-511AA genotype is statistically significantly more frequent in patients with lethal EOS outcome (p = 0.011).

Conclusion: Genotype IL1B-511AA was associated with susceptibility to EOS and it is a significant predictor of lethal outcome in preterm infants with EOS.