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Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotype and subtype between Mongolian and Han in Inner Mongolia
Ruijun Su1, Li Dong, Yongxiang Wang
1Clinic Laboratory of the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin district, Hohhot, P.R. China.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is most common in Inner Mongolia. Mongolian patients show higher HCV prevalence and viral load for genotype 1b compared to Han patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
- Understanding HCV genotype distribution is crucial for regional epidemiology and effective treatment strategies.
- Geographical factors significantly influence the prevalence of different HCV genotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of HCV genotypes among Mongolian and Han patients in Inner Mongolia over a five-year period.
- To analyze the prevalence and viral load of different HCV genotypes in the region.
- To identify potential influencing factors on HCV genotype distribution and viral load.
Main Methods:
- Collection and gene sequencing of peripheral blood samples from patients with HCV.
- Determination of viral load and ratios of various HCV genotypes.
- Statistical analysis to compare genotype prevalence, viral load, and influencing factors between ethnic groups and genotypes.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b was the most prevalent in Inner Mongolia, followed by GT2a, GT3a, GT3b, and GT6a.
- HCV prevalence was significantly higher in Mongolian patients compared to Han patients.
- HCV genotype 1b exhibited a significantly higher viral load than GT 2a, and this was also observed to be significantly higher in ethnic Mongolians compared to Han patients.
Conclusions:
- The study identified genotype 1b as the predominant HCV genotype in Inner Mongolia.
- Ethnic Mongolians demonstrated a higher prevalence and viral load of HCV, particularly genotype 1b, compared to Han patients.
- Findings support the development of personalized hepatitis C treatment strategies tailored to the specific genotype distribution and patient demographics in Inner Mongolia.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C is a serious infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV genotypes (GT) and subtypes are closely related to geographical distribution. Studies on the distribution of HCV genotypes can help to understand the regional epidemiology and genotype distribution and provide benefits in the treatment for hepatitis C. To provide information about the distribution of HCV genotypes as well as improved prevention and treatment of hepatitis C, we aimed to classify the distribution of HCV genotypes among Mongolian and Han patients with hepatitis C in Inner Mongolia over the past 5 years. Peripheral blood samples of patients with HCV were collected for gene sequencing. To analyze the HCV genotype distribution and possible influencing factors, we determined the viral load and ratios of various genotypes. We found that the most prevalent genotype in Inner Mongolia was 1b, followed by GT2a, GT3a, GT3b, and GT6a. The prevalence of HCV among Mongolian patients was significantly higher than the prevalence in their Han counterparts (χ2 = 16.64, P = .000). There was no significant difference in viral load according to sex among HCV genotypes. However, the viral load of GT 1b was significantly higher than that of GT 2a (F = 3.51, P = .008). The viral load of GT 1b among ethnic Mongolians was significantly higher than that among Han patients (t = 2.28, P = .044). The present study's findings can serve as a basis for developing a personalized treatment for hepatitis C among patients in Inner Mongolia.
