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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Hepatitis C virus genotypes and viremia in a tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Turkey
Sema Alacam1, Ayfer Bakir2, Aysel Karatas3
1University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey. semalacam@gmail.com.
Insights
This study found a 0.3% viremic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rate, lower than global averages. Genotype 1 was most common, with identification crucial for treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally, with Genotype 1 being the most prevalent.
- Understanding the prevalence of anti-HCV, HCV genotypes, and viremia rates is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies.
- To determine the distribution of HCV genotypes.
- To assess viremia rates in patients with chronic Hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 197,081 patients' anti-HCV results from 2017-2020.
- Quantitative HCV-RNA PCR for viremia detection.
- HCV genotype determination using Reverse Hybridization assays.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.95%, with a viremic HCV infection rate of 0.3%.
- HCV viremia rates decreased significantly from 2017 (52.36%) to 2020 (18.3%).
- Genotype 1 (72%) was predominant, followed by Genotype 3 (14.1%) and Genotype 4 (8.8%).
Conclusions:
- The observed viremic HCV infection rate of 0.3% is lower than global estimates.
- HCV genotype distribution aligns with international data.
- Identifying circulating HCV genotypes and subtypes is vital for epidemiology and guiding patient treatment.
Introduction:
The World Health Organization estimates that 71 million people with chronic HCV infection lived worldwide in 2015. HCV is a globally prevalent pathogen, that genotype1 is the most common. In this study, the prevalence of anti-HCV, distributions of HCV genotype, and viremia rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C were evaluated.
Methodology:
In this retrospective single-center study, anti-HCV results of 197,081 patients were evaluated between 2017 and 2020. Quantitative HCV-RNA PCR tests were performed on the Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR instrument. HCV genotypes determination of 546 samples was carried out with the Gen-C 2.0 Reverse Hybridization strip and HCV Genotype Plus Real-TM kit.
Results:
The prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.95% and viremic HCV infection was 0.3% (610/197,081). HCV viremia rate was 33.17%. HCV viremia rate was highest in 2017 (52.36%) and the lowest in 2020 (18.3%) (p < 0.001). Genotype1 (72%) was the most common genotype, followed by genotype3 (14.1%), and genotype4 (8.8%). The most common subtypes were determined as genotype1b (56.2%) and genotype1a (13.2%). The viral load was higher in patients infected with genotype5.
Conclusions:
In this study, the rate of viremic HCV infection was found to be 0.3%. This rate was lower than the worldwide rate of HCV viremia. The distribution of HCV genotypes was like the global data. The identification of circulating genotypes and subtypes is essential for epidemiological purposes and remains important in the choice of treatment in patients with chronic HCV.
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