DISTRIBUTION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS GENOTYPES IN WESTERN TURKEY: EXPERIENCE OF FOUR YEARS

Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family and the RNA genome exhibit high genetic heterogeneity. Six major genotypes were determined phylogenetically. Each genotype contains different subtypes. The distribution of HCV genotypes varies geographically throughout the world. Determination of viral genotype has great importance in the selection of antiviral therapy, treatment duration and monitoring the response to treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes in Izmir province located at the Western part of Turkey. Material and method: A total of 308 patients (16.5 females, 143 males mean age: 57,06 13,65 years) with chronic HCV infection who were admitted to Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital Microbiology Laboratory during January 2010 and December 2013 period were included in the study. The patients were anti-HCV (ELISA; Advia Centaur XP, Germany) and HCV-RNA (Real time HCV assay, USA.) positive. HCV genotype analysis was determined by using an AN 7000 real-time PCR system provided (RealrTime HCV Genotype II assay. U.S.A.). Results: Genotype I was observed in 271 of the 308 patients (88%) with chronic HCV infection. Genotype 3 was determined in 15 patients (4.9% of all cases), mix genotype in 9 patients (2.9% of all cases); genotype 2 in 8 patients (2.6% of all cases), and genotype 4 in 5 patients (1.6% of all Cases). Of mix. genotype, 8 patients showed infection with genotype I + genotype 4 and one patient with genotype I + genotype 3. Conclusion: In conclusion, genotipl was observed, most frequently in patients with hepatitis C who were admitted to our hospital as similar to the results of other studies in our country. It was determined that genotype 3 and genotype 4 have more prevalence than the studies from Izmir and Turkey. Of our patients, 92.2% were infected with resistant types and HCV patients encountered with treatment failure, which is as a serious problem in our region.