Abstract

Pharmacogenetics requires robust and affordable tests to determine genetic variability. This study compares three genotyping methods: gene re-sequencing, real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allelic discrimination and PCR-RFLP for the detection of a genetic variation (516G>T) in the gene which codes for the enzyme, CYP2B6, the main enzyme in the metabolic pathway of the antiretroviral drug, efavirenz. The CYP2B6 (516G>T) variant has reduced metabolic capacity. Twenty (20) samples obtained from human immunodeficiency virus acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) positive patients on an efavirenz containing regimen were used to establish whether these methods produce the same CYP2B6 genotype results on the same samples. Results were directly compared for concordance and revealed a 100% correlation with all three methods. Comparison for cost of equipment and reagents required for each method revealed an order of: sequencing > real time-PCR > PCR-RFLP. This study demonstrates the reproducibility of these three methods and provides an opportunity for the clinical applicability in routine clinical practice.

Key words: Polymorphism, drug response, efavirenz, Zimbabwe.