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Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Bahrain
Essam M Janahi1, Mariam Al-Mannai2, Hemlata Singh1
1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Bahrain.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is most common in Bahrain, followed by 1a and 3a. This study provides the first population-based prevalence data for HCV genotypes in Bahrain.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 170 million globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence of HCV genotypes within Bahrain's population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes in a large cohort of chronically infected patients in Bahrain.
- To establish a baseline understanding of HCV epidemiology in the region.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 202 HCV-positive individuals were analyzed.
- Viral load assessment (> 500 IU/mL) was performed for 128 patients eligible for genotyping.
- Statistical analyses (Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact tests) were used to assess demographic differences in genotype distribution.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 was the most prevalent (36.71%), with subtype 1b being the most frequent (21.09%).
- Genotypes 3 and 4 showed similar prevalence (15.6% each), followed by genotype 2 (3.9%).
- HCV genotype distribution varied by gender and age, with genotype 1 most common in older age groups (51-60 years).
Conclusions:
- The predominant Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Bahrain are 1b, 1a, and 3a.
- Further research into HCV transmission sources is recommended to improve infection control strategies in Bahrain.
Background:
Approximately 170 million people are infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, making it one of the world's major infectious diseases. There are no published population based studies about the prevalence of HCV genotypes in Bahrain.
Objectives:
Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes and subtypes among a large sample of patients with chronic HCV infection in Bahrain.
Patients And Methods:
Serum samples were collected from 202 HCV positive patients; of them 128 had a viral load (> 500 IU/mL) suitable for the type-specific genotyping assay. Gender-wise and age-wise differences in the distribution of HCV genotypes were determined by Chi Square and Fisher's Exact tests.
Results:
The predominant genotype among Bahraini patients was type 1 (36.71%), followed by genotypes 3 and 4 (15.6% each) and the lowest frequency was found for genotype 2 (3.9%). Among genotype 1, subtype 1b had the highest frequency (21.09%), followed by subtype 1a (14.06%). Among genotype 3, subtype 3a had the highest frequency (11.72%), while among genotype 4, most of subtypes were undetermined. The frequency of all different HCV genotypes was higher in male patients compared to female patients. Genotype 1 was most common in the age group of 51 - 60 years (38.3%), genotype 2 in 21 - 30 years (60%) and genotype 3 in 51 - 60 years (30%), while genotype 4 was most frequent among the age group > 61 (40%).
Conclusions:
The most common HCV genotype in Bahrain was subtype 1b followed by 1a and 3a. Further studies involving sources of transmission in Bahrain are required to enhance control measures for HCV infection.
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