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HCV genotypes among 1013 Saudi nationals: a multicenter study.
Ibrahim Al Traif1, Mohammed A Al Balwi, Ibrahim Abdulkarim
1King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health and Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ibrahimtraif@yahoo.com
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|March 6, 2013
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4 are most common in Saudi Arabia, affecting 85.9% of patients. This genotype distribution remained consistent across genders and over time, crucial for treatment and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype knowledge is critical for effective antiviral therapy, transmission route identification, and vaccine design.
- Understanding genotype distribution is essential for public health strategies and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of HCV genotypes among Saudi patients.
- To provide precise data on genotype prevalence across different genders and age groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of molecular laboratory data from four tertiary hospitals in Riyadh (2006-2010).
- Genotyping performed using selective hybridization of amplicons to HCV genotype-specific oligonucleotides.
- Data collected from 1013 Saudi patients, including genotype, sex, and age.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4 were predominant, accounting for 85.9% of cases (G1: 25.9%, G4: 60%).
- Genotype 4 was the most prevalent (60%), followed by Genotype 1 (25.9%).
- Mixed genotypes were observed in 6.3% of patients, predominantly G4 and G1. No significant gender-based differences in G1, G3, and G4 frequency were found.
Conclusions:
- HCV genotypes 1 and 4 are the most prevalent in the Saudi population.
- The distribution of these predominant genotypes shows no significant variation between genders.
- The study indicates a stable HCV genotype distribution in Saudi patients over the analyzed period.
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