Detection and distribution of genotypes of Hepatitis C in a tertiary care hospital
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Published on: June 26, 2014
Upasana Bhumbla1, Laveena Shekhawat2, Aditi Kothari2
1Assistant Professor, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, India.
Insights
This study detected Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and determined its genotypes in local patients. Genotype 3 was the most prevalent, influencing treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
- Understanding HCV prevalence and genotype distribution is vital for effective public health strategies and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively detect HCV RNA in patients.
- To determine the genotypic distribution of HCV in a specific geographical region using real-time PCR.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 300 patients in a tertiary care hospital.
- Quantitative HCV RNA detection using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- HCV genotyping performed on RNA-positive samples.
Main Results:
- Out of 300 patients, 127 were HCV RNA positive.
- Genotyping revealed genotype 3 in 90 patients, genotype 1 in 3, and genotype 4 in 5.
- Genotype 3 was the predominant strain identified.
Conclusions:
- HCV genotype knowledge is critical for treatment decisions and prognosis.
- Genotypes 1 and 4 may require longer treatment durations with potentially poorer outcomes compared to genotypes 2 and 3.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a leading cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, this study was undertaken for detection and to observe genotypic distribution of the virus in this geographical region.
Aims And Objectives:
The aim of the study was to quantitatively detect HCV RNA in Hepatitis C patients and to determine the distribution pattern of its genotypes by real time polymerase chain reaction.
Materials And Methods:
This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. In seropositive Hepatitis C patients, quantification of HCV-RNA was done by real time PCR and in HCV-RNA positive samples, genotyping for HCV was conducted.
Result:
A total of 300 patients were recruited in the study, of which 165 were anti HCV positive and among them, 127 were HCV-RNA positive. These positive samples were further subjected to genotype determination using real time PCR. 98 samples were positive for genotype, where genotype 3 was seen in 90 patients, genotype 1, in 3 patients and genotype 4, in 5 patients.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of genotype is crucial for management of HCV infection and prediction of prognosis. Patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and 4 will have to receive IFN and ribavirin for a period of 48 weeks and show a poor sustained viral response. On the contrary, patients infected with HCV genotype 2 and 3 are reported to have better response to therapy.
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