Diversity of genotype and mode of spread of Hepatitis C virus in Northern India

Abstract

Background/Aim:Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is classified into 6 genotypes. It leads to chronic hepatitis in 80% of the cases. Genotype of the virus helps in predicting response to antiviral therapy and also the duration of treatment. Therefore, it is important to know the prevalence of each genotype. Knowledge regarding the route of entry of HCV in the blood is also necessary to formulate a strategy to prevent its spread.Patients and Methods:One hundred and two newly diagnosed patients with chronic hepatitis C, having anti-HCV antibody-positive were included in the study. Their HCV RNA viral load and genotype were determined by Reverse Transcriptase PCR assay on Roche Cobas Ampliprep analyzer.Results:Genotype 3 was commonly detected in 58.8% patients followed by genotype 1 in 20.6%. Twelve patients had genotype 4 (11.8%) and 9 had mixed infection with genotypes 3 and 4. Among these patients, 43.1% of patients had a history of multiple injection exposure. Blood transfusion received by 6.9% and 2.9% had donated blood. Only 1 patient had a history of drug abuse.Conclusion:The distribution of genotypes varies in different regions and therefore its knowledge is important, as it determines the response of the patient to the treatment. The use of autodisabled syringes, their proper disposal, following biomedical waste management guidelines, and organizing continued medical education and workshops will help in preventing the spread of HCV infection.

Risk factors and genotypes of HCV infected patients attending tertiary care hospital in North India

“…Similar to other studies from North India, [3,4] genotype 3 was the most common (55.6%) among all the risk groups of our study too. This was followed by genotype 1 (42.8%).…”

“…[ Table 1]. [4,5] Therefore, it can be concluded that the irrational use of antimicrobial agents at inadequately high doses, for inappropriate duration of therapy aggravate the development of resistance. In this study, we found that a considerable number of isolates were resistant to quinolones.…”

Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus genotypes in nine selected European countries: A systematic review

“…Thus, it is clear that in this context, pathogenicity and the duration and cost of treatment are still influenced by different HCV genotypes. 47,[49][50][51] According to our results, G1 is the predominant genotype accounting for 61.2% (95% CI; 53.6-68.7) of all anti-HCV infections among adults, ranging from 80.0% in Croatia to 46.0% in Greece.…”

“…Although the introduction of DAAs has solved most of adverse effects of IFN‐based therapy, increasing the rates of SVR the high costs and restricted accessibility of DAA drugs are still the main drivers in the treatment decisions, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Thus, it is clear that in this context, pathogenicity and the duration and cost of treatment are still influenced by different HCV genotypes …”

A review of the current anti-HCV therapy: Are we finally ready for interferon-free regimens

“…Sexual route as a mode of transmission appears to be a low risk. [2,5] Pathogenesis of HCV HCV RNA genome is made of 9400 nucleotides including a 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions. Translation begins from the 5′ non-coding region, especially at IRES (Internal ribosomal entry site) and produces a polyprotein of 3000 amino acids which undergoes modification after translation by various proteases produced by host and virus and forms: a.…”