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Published on: November 7, 2018
[Genetic variations of hepatitis C virus circulating in the Ural region]
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype distribution varies by age and location in Russia. Subtype 1b predominates in clinical settings, while subtype 3a is more common in younger individuals, linked to drug use.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits diverse genetic subtypes globally.
- Understanding subtype distribution is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- Previous studies have characterized HCV subtypes in major Russian cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of HCV genetic subtypes in Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk.
- To analyze subtype prevalence across different age groups and social statuses.
- To identify factors influencing observed subtype patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of HCV subtype data from infected populations in Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk.
- Comparison of subtype frequencies in hemodialysis and pediatric oncohematology centers.
- Stratification of data by age groups and geographical location.
Main Results:
- Subtype 1b was predominant (83.3-84.6%) in patients at hemodialysis and pediatric oncohematology centers.
- In Chelyabinsk, subtype 1b was twice as prevalent as 3a; in Yekaterinburg, the ratio was 1:1.
- Subtype 3a was more prevalent in the 15-27 age group, while 1b dominated in those younger than 15 and older than 27.
Conclusions:
- HCV subtype distribution shows significant geographical and age-related variations within the Urals region.
- The increasing prevalence of subtype 3a in younger populations is linked to a rise in young intravenous drug users.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions for specific demographics and regions.
Abstract:
A study of distributions of different genetic variations (subtypes) of hepatitis C virus (HCV), circulating in the territories of Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk among infected population categories of different social statuses and age, is reported in the paper. The predominance of 1b subtype was shown in the HCV-infected patients at the hemodialysis center (HDC) and at the pediatric oncohematology center (OHC), 83.3% and 84.6% respectively. The summarized results of examinations of patients conducted at HCV-infection departments (97 persons) did not reveal any essential differences between the data, obtained for Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, concerning the distributions of HCV subtypes. However, according to an analysis made in cities of the Urals region, the prevalence of 1b subtype in Chelyabinsk was 2-fold higher than that of 3a subtype, whereas in Yekaterinburg there was an equal ratio (1:1) between the above subtypes. Besides, unequal distributions of HCV subtypes were registered in different age groups. 3a subtype was found to be predominant in patients aged 15 to 27, and prevalence of 1b subtype persisted in persons aged below 15 and above 27. The conclusion is that the redistributed occurrence rates of separate HCV subtypes, with their spectrum in mentioned territories being preserved, is associated with a growing number of young drug-addicts who are more often get infected with 3a subtype.
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