Hepatitis C Genotypes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection: A Three-Year Evaluation

Introduction: In case of chronic hepatitis C infection, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma may progress. HCV genotypes and subtypes have been found to vary according to geographical regions. In addition to its epidemiological importance, HCV genotype is an important factor in determining the response and duration of treatment. In this study, it was aimed to determine the genotype distribution in our region. Materials and Methods: The results of 241 patients with HCV RNA positivity detected in our laboratory Molecular unit between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively screened. HCV-RNA extraction for genotyping was performed by automated system (EZ1 Virus Mini Kit v.2.0, Germany), and "line probe assay" (LIPA) based on reverse hybridization method was applied. HCV-RNA levels were determined by real-time PCR method (Artus HCV QS-RGQ kit, Qiagen, Germany). Results: Two hundred and forty-one patients were included in the study, and 116 (48%) were females and 125 (52%) were males. Mean age was 56.1 +/- 19.4 (range: 16-90) years. Mean logarithmic viral load value was 5.7 +/- 0.9 IU/ml (range; 2.71 x 10(2)-17 x 10(6)), mean value of AST was 50.5 +/- 43.7 IU/ml and mean ALT value was 63.4 +/- 63.5 IU/ml. Genotype 1b was detected in 58.9% of the patients, genotype 3a in 14.1%, genotype 1a in 13.27%, genotype 2b in 4.1%, genotype 4a in 1.2%. The subtypes could not be determined for 4.9%, 1.2%, 1.6% and 0.4% of infected patient in genotype 1,2,4 and 5 respectively. Conclusion: In our study, genotype 1b (58.9%) was found as the dominant genotype. This was followed by genotype 3a (14.1%). In patients infected with genotype 1, viral load value was found to be significantly higher than other genotypes. Monitoring genotype change is important for determining treatment protocols and duration.