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Identifying genotype profile of chronic hepatitis C infection in Southwest Iran
Hassan Khadempour-Arani1, Ali Shojaeian2, Ameneh Mehri-Ghahfarrokhi2
1Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 is the most common in Iran's Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. This study identified HCV genotypes in local patients, crucial for vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health concern, leading to liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Globally, 170-200 million people are infected with HCV, representing approximately 3% of the world's population.
- Understanding HCV genotypes is vital for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of different Hepatitis C virus genotypes in patients in Shahrekord, Iran.
- To provide data on HCV genotypes in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province for public health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study involving 2377 individuals from November 2016 to October 2017.
- Anti-HCV antibody testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- HCV RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and genotype detection via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 was the predominant genotype (28.6%), followed by genotype 1a (9.5%) and 1b (3.2%).
- No significant differences were observed in plasma viral load or age distribution among different HCV genotypes.
- In 7.9% of patients, no specific genotype was identified.
Conclusions:
- HCV genotype 3 is the most prevalent in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of Iran.
- The findings highlight the importance of regional genotype surveillance for HCV.
- This data can inform targeted strategies for HCV prevention and control.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most important risk factors for liver failure which can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Approximately 170-200 million (almost 3% of the world's population) people have been reported to have HCV infection worldwide. HCV has six genotypes and multiple subtypes. HCV genotyping and identification of subtypes are critical steps for HCV vaccine development.
Materials And Methods:
In this community-based study, we aimed to investigate the HCV genotypes in infected patients referring to the laboratory of Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord city (the capital of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province) in Iran from November 21, 2016, to October 21, 2017. During 2016-2017, the sera were obtained from 2377 individuals referring to the laboratory of Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord, Iran. The anti-HCV antibody was tested for all sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Following HCV RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis, HCV genotype detection was performed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Genotypes 3, 1a, and 1b were found in 28.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.0%-40.0%), 9.5% (95% CI: 2.1%-17.0%), and 3.2% (95% CI: 0.0%-7.6%) of the patients, respectively. In 5 patients (7.9%, 95% CI: 1.1%-14.8%), however, we did not observe any genotypes. We could not find any significant difference between the plasma viral load of infected patients and different genotypes. There was no significant difference either between age groups and genotypes (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The findings of the present study determined that HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype followed by the genotypes 1a and 1b in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.
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