Hepatitis C genotype prevalence in south Louisiana: deviation from expected frequency and implications for treatment...

To compare prevalence rates of hepatitis C genotypes in a southern Louisiana patient cohort to nationally accepted prevalence rates and to examine the possible impact on treatment cost effectiveness.

Systematic chart review of a community-based metropolitan gastroenterology practice.

Hepatitis C genotype prevalence rates in the southeastern Louisiana cohort differed dramatically from nationally accepted figures, with only 12% prevalence of genotypes 2 and 3 infections combined.

Regional variations in hepatitis C genotype prevalence in the United States should be fully explored, so that more accurate assessments of expected treatment outcomes and of costs can be promulgated.