Distribution of HCV genotypes in Poland

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited data exists on the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Poland.
• Understanding genotype distribution is crucial for effective treatment strategies and public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of HCV genotypes in Poland over a 10-year period.
• To investigate the influence of patient age and geographic region on HCV genotype prevalence.
• To examine HCV genotype distribution in patients with HBV and HIV co-infections.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of HCV genotypes from 14,651 patients across 22 centers in Poland (2003-2012).
• Genotypes were categorized by age groups (<20, 20-40, >40 years).
• Comparison of genotype prevalence in HCV mono-infected versus HBV/HIV co-infected populations.

Main Results:

• HCV genotype 1 was predominant (79.4%), with a rise from 72% (2003-2004) to 85.6% (2011-2012).
• Geographic variations were noted, with higher G1 prevalence in Łódzkie and Śląskie voivodships and higher G3 prevalence in Warmińsko-mazurskie and Podlaskie voivodships.
• HCV/HIV co-infected patients showed significantly lower G1 (33.0%) and higher G3 (40.4%) and G4 (24.0%) prevalence compared to mono-infected patients.

Conclusions:

• Significant geographic variability in HCV genotype prevalence exists in Poland.
• A trend of increasing HCV genotype 1 and decreasing genotypes 3 and 4 was observed over the decade.
• HCV genotypes 3 and 4 are more prevalent in HCV/HIV co-infected individuals than in those with HCV mono-infection.