Emergence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Recombinant Forms 2k/1b in Georgia

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) evolution is thought to proceed by mutations within the six major genotypes. Studies of HCV recombinant genotypes in different parts of the world have recently been initiated. Only a few cases of recombination have been identified worldwide, predominantly in Eastern Europe and Asia. In 2011 we detected the recombinant form (RF) of a HCV genotype RF_ 2k/1b in Georgia. Therefore, we reviewed HCV genotyping data of 491 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infections of our center in Tbilisi over a period of two years. Methods: Initially all genotyping analyses were performed with the VERSANT HCV genotype assay (Siemens, LiPA). In a second analysis, parts of the core and the NS5B region were sequenced for all HCV genotypes 2a/2c. Results: Approximately 2/3 of genotype 2 cases were identified as the recombinant form HCV-RF 2k/1b. Overall, this type represented 19% of all HCV patients who underwent genotyping. Conclusions: We can conclude that almost 20% of HCV infected Georgian patients are infected with HCVRF_2k/1b.