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Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Belgian hemophiliacs
L Sheng1, M Willems, K Peerlinck
1Division of Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of Medical Virology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Hemophiliacs treated with clotting factors face high hepatitis C risk. This study identified prevalent HCV genotypes in hemophiliacs, noting higher rates of multiple infections and specific types (2 and 3) compared to non-hemophiliacs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Hemophiliacs are at elevated risk for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) due to exposure to pooled clotting factor concentrates.
- Previous studies indicate a significant HCV burden in this population, necessitating detailed epidemiological analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in hemophiliacs.
- To compare HCV genotype distribution and coinfection patterns in hemophiliacs versus non-hemophiliac patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 58 anti-HCV antibody-positive hemophiliacs were tested for HCV RNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- HCV genotyping was performed on positive samples using genotype-specific probes and dot blot hybridization.
- Results were compared to a control group of 105 non-hemophiliac patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Main Results:
- HCV RNA was detected in 55 out of 58 (94.8%) hemophiliacs.
- The predominant HCV genotype in hemophiliacs was type 1b (56.4%), followed by type 2 (14.6%) and type 3 (10.9%).
- Hemophiliacs showed a higher prevalence of double HCV infections (12.7%) and a notable presence of types 2 and 3 compared to the control group, where type 1b was also predominant.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b is the most common type among hemophiliacs, similar to the general chronic hepatitis C population.
- Hemophiliacs exhibit a distinct pattern of HCV infection, including a higher frequency of multiple genotype infections and a greater prevalence of types 2 and 3.
- These findings highlight the importance of understanding specific HCV genotype distributions in immunocompromised populations for targeted treatment strategies.