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Genotype variation of hepatitis C virus in District Buner Swat
Khalid Mahmood1, Noor Mohammad, Abidullah
1Department of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Khalidm30@hotmail.com
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3, particularly subtypes 3a and 3b, is the most prevalent in District Buner, Swat. This study determined the frequency of various HCV genotypes in the region.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the distribution of HCV genotypes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- Genotype prevalence varies geographically, impacting treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the frequency of different Hepatitis C virus genotypes in District Buner, Swat.
- To provide epidemiological data on HCV genotype distribution in this specific region of Pakistan.
- To inform public health initiatives and clinical management of HCV.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive case series study was conducted from January 2007 to June 2008.
- 400 patients with confirmed HCV infection (positive antibodies and RNA) were enrolled.
- Hepatitis C virus genotypes were identified using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Genotype 3 was the most common (61.5%), with subtypes 3a (45.5%) and 3b (16%) being most frequent.
- Genotype 1a (8.7%) and 1b (3%) were also identified.
- Mixed infections were observed in 16% of patients, with other genotypes (2a, 2b, 4a, 6a) found at lower frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 3, specifically subtypes 3a and 3b, is the predominant genotype in District Buner, Swat.
- Genotype 1a and 2a, along with mixed infections, were the next most frequent.
- These findings highlight the importance of regional genotype surveillance for HCV management.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of various genotypes of Hepatitis C virus in District Buner, Swat.
Methods:
This Descriptive case series study was conducted at District Headquarter Hospital Daggar, and Bilal Medical Trust, Pir Baba, Swat, Pakistan from January 2007 to June 2008. A total of 400 patients, 154 Male and 246 Female aged 16-65 years (Mean age 31 +/- 13 years) without clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of cirrhosis, and with positive Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies by ELIZA, and HCV RNA detected by PCR were included. Hepatitis C virus genotypes were checked in serum by real time PCR (RT-PCR).
Results:
Genotype 3 was the most common type accounting for 61.5% of the study population. Amongst the subtypes, 182 (45.5%) had genotype 3a and 64 (16%) had genotype 3b. Thirty-five (8.7%) patients had genotype 1a, 12 (3%) had genotype 1b. Twenty-six (6.5%) patients had genotype 2a. Four (1%) patients had genotype 2b. Three (0.75%) patients had genotype 4a, and 1 (0.25%) had genotype 6a. Sixty-four (16%) patients had mixed infections. Forty (10%) patients had genotype 3a and 3b, 12 (3%) patients had genotype 1a, 1b, and 9 (2.25%) patients had genotype 2a and 1c, 2 (0.5%) had genotypela, 3a and 1 patient (0.25%) had genotype 1a, 3b. Nine (2.25%) patients had untypable genotype.
Conclusion:
Genotype 3 with its subtypes 3a and 3b is the commonest Hepatitis C virus present in District Buner, Swat. The others in order of decreasing frequency are genotype 1a, 2a and mixed types.
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