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Genotyping of hepatitis C virus isolates from Basque Country, Spain
G Cilla1, M García-Bengoechea, E Perez-Trallero
1Microbiology Service and Infectious Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu, San Sebastián, Spain.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution varies by infection origin and patient age. Genotype 1b is common in transfusion recipients, while genotype 3a prevails in intravenous drug users, suggesting a shifting genotype landscape.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
- Understanding HCV genotype distribution is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- Different modes of HCV transmission may be associated with specific viral genotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of HCV genotypes among chronic HCV-infected patients.
- To investigate the association between HCV genotypes and the origin of infection (intravenous drug use, blood transfusion, or unknown exposure).
- To explore the relationship between HCV genotypes and patient age.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of HCV was performed on 161 chronic HCV-infected patients.
- Patients were categorized into three groups based on infection origin: intravenous drug use (IVDU), blood transfusion recipients, and no known exposure.
- Statistical analysis was used to assess genotype distribution across different groups and correlate with patient age.
Main Results:
- Genotype 1b was predominant in blood transfusion recipients (84.6%) and those with no known exposure (67.7%).
- Genotype 3a was prevalent in 65.3% of patients with a history of IVDU.
- Patients with genotype 1b were significantly older (50.3 years) than those with genotypes 1a (34.1 years) or 3a (31 years).
Conclusions:
- HCV genotype distribution is significantly associated with the origin of infection and patient demographics.
- The findings indicate a changing pattern of HCV genotypes in the studied region.
- Genotype 3a may potentially replace genotype 1b as the dominant genotype in the future, necessitating updated epidemiological surveillance and treatment guidelines.
Abstract:
The genotype of HCV was determined in 161 chronic HCV-infected patients. The patients were classified into three groups on the basis of the origin of the HCV infection: 50 patients had a history of intravenous drug use (IVDU) but no HIV infection; 41 patients had received blood transfusions, and 70 patients had no known exposure. The distribution of HCV genotypes was associated with the origin of infection and age of patients: genotype 1b was predominant among patients who had received blood transfusions and those without evidence of parenteral exposure (84.6% and 67.7%, respectively), whereas genotype 3a was present in 65.3% of IVDUs. Patients with genotype 1b were older than those with genotypes 1a or 3a: 50.3 +/- 12 vs. 34.1 +/- 9.9 and 31 +/- 5.4 years, respectively. These findings suggest that the pattern of HCV genotypes in our region is changing and that genotype 1b may be substituted by 3a as the dominant genotype in the future.