Hepatitis C virus genotypes in north eastern Algeria: A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
• Understanding regional genotype distribution is crucial for effective treatment and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of various hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in patients from northeastern Algeria.
• To analyze the demographic and geographic factors influencing HCV genotype distribution.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cross-sectional study of 435 HCV-infected patients from northeastern Algeria (2010-2012).
• Serum samples were analyzed using type-specific genotyping assays.
• Demographic data, including age, sex, and region, were collected from medical records.

Main Results:

• HCV genotype 1 was the most prevalent (88.7%), predominantly genotype 1b.
• Genotype 1 frequency was associated with age and geographic region, being less common in older patients and more frequent in the central area.
• Genotypes 2, 4, 3, and 5 were detected at lower frequencies; genotype 6 was absent.

Conclusions:

• The dominant HCV genotype in northeastern Algeria is type 1 (1b), which differs from patterns observed in other North African regions.
• Geographic location and patient age are significant factors influencing HCV genotype distribution in this Algerian population.