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Hepatitis C virus genotype 6 infection in India
Sukanya Raghuraman1, Priya Abraham, Gopalan Sridharan
1Department of Clinical Virology, Christian Medical College, Vellore.
Summary
Two Indian patients with chronic liver disease were diagnosed with hepatitis C virus genotype 6. This finding expands the known geographic distribution of this specific hepatitis C virus strain.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic liver disease poses a significant global health burden.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a primary cause of chronic liver disease.
- HCV exhibits significant genetic diversity with distinct genotypes and subtypes.
Observation:
- Two patients from eastern India with chronic liver disease were evaluated.
- Diagnostic testing revealed infection with hepatitis C virus.
Findings:
- The identified hepatitis C virus strains belonged to genotype 6.
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 6 strains were previously documented exclusively in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
- This represents a novel geographic detection of HCV genotype 6.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential expansion of hepatitis C virus genotype 6 circulation into new regions.
- This case highlights the importance of considering diverse viral genotypes in diagnosing and managing hepatitis C.
- Further epidemiological surveillance is warranted to understand the prevalence and spread of HCV genotype 6 in India and surrounding areas.