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HCV serotypes in Brazilian patients
Norma de Paula Cavalheiro1, Antonio Alci Barone, Fátima Mitiko Tengan
1Hepatitis Laboratory, University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil. norma@usp.br
Summary
This study identified hepatitis C virus (HCV) serotypes in chronic carriers, finding type 1 predominant. Serotyping aids clinical practice and epidemiological studies for HCV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally.
- Understanding HCV serotype distribution is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of different hepatitis C virus (HCV) serotypes in chronic HCV carriers.
- To evaluate the utility of the Murex HCV serotyping 1-6 assay for identifying HCV subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 219 chronic HCV carriers with positive PCR results were analyzed.
- A modified ELISA technique, the Murex HCV serotyping 1-6 assay, was used to detect antibodies against HCV serotypes 1-6.
Main Results:
- HCV serotypes were identified in 75.8% of patients.
- Hepatitis C virus type 1 was the most prevalent (70.0%), followed by type 3 (22.3%) and type 2 (4.2%).
- Blood transfusion was the most frequently reported mode of HCV acquisition.
Conclusions:
- HCV serotyping is valuable in clinical practice for prognosis and epidemiological studies.
- Discrepant results in serotyping, particularly with low optical density readings, necessitate confirmation by genotyping.
- The Murex assay provides a useful tool for HCV serotype identification, complementing genotyping.