To a lesser extent, IFN contributes to anaemia by suppressing bone marrow function20, limiting erythroid-progenitor-cell proliferation, increasing apoptosis of erythroid cells, promoting autoimmune haemolytic reactions, reducing renal function and impairing compensatory reticulocytosis to RBV-related haemolytic anaemia.18,21 Hence, the combined actions of these drugs result in a “mixed” anaemia. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is anemia (phenotype).