Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Identification of HCV genotypes in HCV infected blood donors
Zohreh Sharifi1, Mahmood Mahmoodian Shooshtari, Fahimeh Rangbar Kermani
1Research center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO), Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution was similar in blood donors and patients. Genotypes 1a, 3a, and 1b were most common, highlighting their prevalence in chronic liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a primary cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Multiple HCV genotypes exist, with geographic variations in prevalence.
- Understanding genotype distribution is crucial for disease management and epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and compare the distribution of HCV genotypes in blood donors and patients with hepatitis C.
- To determine the most prevalent HCV genotypes within these populations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 167 serum samples (103 blood donors, 64 patients).
- HCV genotyping performed using type-specific primers targeting the viral core region.
- Statistical analysis to assess genotype distribution and associations.
Main Results:
- Genotype 1a was the most frequent in both groups (51.5% blood donors, 53.1% patients).
- Genotypes 3a and 1b were also prevalent (3.9% and 37.9% in blood donors; 25% and 15.6% in patients, respectively).
- No significant association found between patient's place of infection and HCV genotype.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of HCV genotypes is similar between blood donors and patients.
- Hepatitis C virus genotypes 1a, 3a, and 1b are dominant in the studied populations.
- Findings contribute to understanding HCV epidemiology and regional genotype patterns.
Abstract:
HCV infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis of the liver. There are at least six major genotypes and more than 50 subtypes of HCV. The prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes depend on geographical location. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the HCV genotypes in HCV infected blood donors and patients. In this cross-sectional study, 167 serum samples from 103 blood donors and 64 patients with hepatitis C were investigated for HCV genotypes. HCV genotyping was carried out using type-specific primers from the core region of the viral genome. The highest frequency was for genotype 1a, with 53 and 34 (51.5% versus 53.1%) of subjects in blood donors and patients respectively. Genotype 3a and 1b were the other frequent genotypes with 4 and 16 (3.9% versus 25%) and 39 and 10 (37.9% versus 15.6%) subjects, respectively. There was not any statistical significant association between the place of infection of the patients and genotype. The results of this study indicate that the distribution of genotypes in the two populations was similar. The dominant HCV genotypes between blood donors and patients were 1a, 3a and 1b respectively.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...