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Prevalence of hepatitis C genotypes among patients with chronic hepatitis C in Norway. Construct Group
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution in southern Norway shows a high prevalence of genotype 3 (50%) and genotype 1 (35%), differing from southern European populations. This study utilized restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and serotyping for accurate HCV genotyping.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
- Understanding HCV genotype distribution is crucial for treatment and epidemiological studies.
- Previous studies have indicated regional variations in HCV genotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in a multicenter study cohort in southern Norway.
- To compare restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with a serological typing method for HCV genotyping.
- To analyze the epidemiological features of chronic hepatitis C patients in this region.
Main Methods:
- HCV genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the 5' NCR.
- A serological typing method detecting type-specific antibody to NS-4 region peptides was used for comparison.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also utilized in conjunction with these methods.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 was prevalent in 50% of patients, followed by genotype 1 in 35% and genotype 2 in 13%.
- The serological typing method showed high concordance (96%) with RFLP and PCR-based genotyping.
- Epidemiological factors such as young patient age (mean 34 years), low cirrhosis prevalence (3.5%), and high intravenous-drug abuse rates were noted.
Conclusions:
- HCV genotype distribution in southern Norway is distinct, with a notable prevalence of genotype 3.
- RFLP and serotyping are reliable methods for HCV genotyping.
- The epidemiological profile of HCV patients in southern Norway differs significantly from those in southern Europe.
Abstract:
Among 116 patients with biopsy-confirmed chronic hepatitis C (Riba 2 or Riba 3 positive) in a multicenter study in southern Norway on interferon, we determined hepatitis C virus genotype by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the 5' NCR. The RFLP method was supplemented by and compared with a serological typing method based on the detection of type-specific antibody to peptide from the NS-4 region. A total of 102/106 (96%) patient sera showed detectable type-specific antibody to NS-4 peptides and corresponded in all cases, except two, to the genotype detected by polymerase chain reaction. Combining the results from RFLP genotyping and serotyping, genotype 1 was found in 40 (35%) (27 with 1a and 10 with 1b, 3 subtypes not determined), genotype 2 in 15 (13%) (subtype 2b in 14 and 1 subtype not determined), and genotype 3 in 58 (50%) of patients. The low mean age of the patients (34 years), the low prevalence of cirrhosis (3.5%), the short duration of the disease, and a high prevalence of intravenous-drug abusers may account for the low prevalence of infection with genotype 1b (9%). The epidemiological features of hepatitis C patients are markedly different from patient groups described in southern Europe in terms of risk factors, age, and genotype distribution.