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Published on: December 15, 2023
Recent updates on molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Gujranwala, Pakistan
Bacha Syed Yousuf Shah1, Khan Muhammad Umer1, Zulfiqar Aymn1
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3a is most prevalent in Gujranwala, Pakistan. This finding is vital for guiding public health strategies and future research on HCV infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern, frequently leading to liver cirrhosis.
- Understanding the epidemiology and genotypic distribution of HCV is crucial for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a current overview of HCV infection in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan.
- To determine the distribution of HCV genotypes within this population.
- To investigate potential links between HCV genotypes and associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 1004 patients to test for HCV antibodies using immunochromatographic tests (ICT).
- Positive ICT results were confirmed via chemiluminescence, followed by RNA amplification and genotyping.
Main Results:
- HCV infection was more common in females (54.68%) than males (45.32%).
- The highest infection rate (27%) was observed in the 50-59 age group.
- HCV genotype 3a was predominant (71.81%), with untypable genotypes also being frequent (20.82%).
Conclusions:
- Genotype 3a is the most prevalent Hepatitis C virus genotype in the studied population of Gujranwala.
- This genotypic data is essential for tailoring public health interventions and guiding future research efforts.
Background:
Hepatitis C infection (HCV) remains a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, posing a critical health threat worldwide.
Objective:
This research aimed to provide a contemporary overview of HCV infection and its genotypic distribution in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, it sought to explore the interrelation between HCV genotypes and associated risk factors among individuals infected with HCV.
Method:
To examine the prevalence of antibodies against HCV, blood samples were collected from 1004 patients and tested using an immunochromatographic test (ICT). Positive ICT samples were subsequently confirmed through a chemiluminescence technique and then subjected to amplification and genotyping.
Results:
The study revealed that females (54.68%) were more affected by HCV than males (45.32%). Notably, the highest incidence of HCV infection (27%) was observed in the 50-59 age group. Among HCV RNA-positive patients, genotype 3a predominated, accounting for 71.81% of cases. High rate of untypable genotypes was also detected (20.82%), along with mixed (3.29%), 1a (2.09%), 1b (0.79%), 2b (0.70%), and 3b (0.50%).
Conclusion:
The study highlights the prevalence of genotype 3a as the most common HCV genotype in the sampled population. This information is crucial for informing public health interventions and further research in the field of HCV infection.
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