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Changes in hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in chronic hepatitis C infection patients
Mehmet Burak Selek1, Orhan Baylan1, Ergenekon Karagöz2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Sultan Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is most common in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Understanding HCV genotype distribution is crucial for effective antiviral treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Accurate identification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes is essential for guiding antiviral therapy, optimizing drug dosages, and determining treatment duration.
- The distribution of HCV genotypes can vary geographically and is influenced by demographic and social factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes among patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection.
- To provide data that can inform clinical decisions regarding HCV treatment and management.
Main Methods:
- A total of 106 CHC patients with positive anti-HCV and HCV-RNA tests were included in this 16-month study.
- HCV RNA testing and genotyping were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Anti-HCV assays utilized a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
Main Results:
- HCV genotype 1b was the predominant genotype, found in 67.0% of patients.
- HCV genotype 3 was detected in 16.0%, genotype 1a in 14.2%, and genotype 2 in 2.8%.
- Genotypes 4, 5, and 6 were not detected. No significant differences in genotype distribution were observed based on gender or age.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the prevalence of specific HCV genotypes, with genotype 1b being most common.
- The detection rate of genotype 3 was notably high compared to other studies in the country.
- Social factors like immigration and commercial activities may influence HCV genotype distribution, necessitating regular, multicenter surveillance studies.
Purpose:
Identification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes is very important in the selection of antiviral treatment, dose adjustment of antiviral agents, determining the treatment duration and following-up of treatment response. We aimed to determine the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes in chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) patients.
Materials And Methods:
We have included 106 CHC patients who were positive in the anti-HCV and HCV-RNA tests performed in our hospital during the 16-month period. Anti-HCV assays were performed on device using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, while HCV-RNA tests and HCV genotyping assays were performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Of the 106 cases; genotype 1b was detected in 67.0%, genotype 3 was detected in 16.0%, genotype 1a was detected in 14.2% and genotype 2 was detected in 2.8% patients. Genotypes 4, 5 and 6 were not detected in our study group. There were no statistically significant differences between the gender and age groups according to the HCV genotype distribution. The genotype 3 detection rate (16%) was the highest rate among the studies compared with the other studies in our country.
Conclusions:
Events that cause social changes such as war and immigration and intense commercial and touristic activities affect and alter the HCV genotype distribution in HCV-infected patients. For this reason, further multicentre studies are required reflecting all the regions in order to determine the genotype distribution in HCV-infected patients at regular intervals.
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