Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Slovenia

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
• Genotype distribution of HCV varies geographically and by transmission route.
• Understanding local HCV epidemiology is essential for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Slovenia.
• To analyze HCV genotype distribution across various epidemiological groups.
• To investigate the relationship between HCV genotypes and transmission routes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 203 subjects infected with HCV in Slovenia was studied.
• The Inno-Lipa HCV II assay was used for HCV genotyping.
• Data were analyzed based on patient groups: blood transfusion recipients, chronic hepatitis C patients of unknown cause, intravenous drug users, and haemodialysis patients.

Main Results:

• HCV subtype 1b was prevalent in blood transfusion recipients (81%) and chronic hepatitis C patients (54.4%).
• Intravenous drug users predominantly had HCV genotype 3 (45.9%) and subtype 1a (43.2%).
• Haemodialysis patients showed nearly equal frequencies of HCV genotypes 1 (40.5%) and 2 (37.8%).

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in HCV genotype distribution were observed among distinct epidemiological groups in Slovenia.
• The findings suggest a strong association between specific HCV genotypes and particular routes of viral transmission.
• These results highlight the importance of tailored approaches for HCV management based on genotype and transmission patterns.