Hepatitis C virus genotypes implicated in mixed cryoglobulinemia

Recent reports suggest that hepatitis C virus (HCV) might be a causative agent of mixed cryoglobulinemia. To determine whether the HCV genotype is a factor implicated in the onset of cryoglobulinemia, genotyping by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products of the 5' non coding region was carried out among 45 HCV-infected patients. Genotypes 1 and 2 were found more prevalent in symptomatic cryoglobulinemia patients. Due to the presence of genotypes 4 and 5 found in this panel of French patients (9.3%), HCV genotyping based on sequence determination is recommended.