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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

HCV genotype 1 is almost exclusively present in Romanian patients with chronic hepatitis C

Mircea Grigorescu1,

  • 1University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Haţieganu, Clinical Emergency Hospital Professor Dr. Octavian Fodor, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. mdgrigorescu@yahoo.com

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases : JGLD
|April 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 is dominant in Romania, affecting 99% of patients. This study highlights an epidemic profile of HCV infection in Romania and neighboring countries, with increased prevalence and fibrosis in older individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
  • Understanding HCV genotype distribution is crucial for effective treatment strategies and epidemiological surveillance.
  • Romania's HCV genotype landscape has not been extensively studied on a national level.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the predominant HCV genotype in Romania through the first national study.
  • To correlate HCV genotype distribution with epidemiological, biochemical, virological, and histological factors.
  • To compare Romania's HCV genotype data with that of neighboring countries.

Main Methods:

  • Two patient cohorts were analyzed using different genotyping assays (Versant HCV genotype 2.0 and Roche Molecular System).
  • A total of 153 patients were genotyped in the ACHIEVE study, and 461 in the Epidemiological National Multicenter Study (ENMS).
  • Epidemiological, biochemical, virological, and histological data were collected from the ENMS group.

Main Results:

  • HCV genotype 1b was identified in 93.46% of patients in the ACHIEVE study, and genotype 1 in 99.13% in the ENMS study.
  • Percutaneous transmission routes accounted for 85.9% of cases, with higher prevalence in older age groups.
  • Significant fibrosis (>= F2) was observed in 70.9% of patients over 40, with no correlation between viral load/ALT levels and histological outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • HCV genotype 1 is nearly exclusive among Romanian patients with chronic hepatitis C.
  • The consistent genotype distribution in Romania, Moldova, and Hungary suggests a shared epidemic profile.
  • These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions for HCV in the region.
Abstract

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