Genetic diversity of genotype 6 HCV infections in France: Epidemiology and consequences for treatment strategy

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major causative agents of chronic liver disease. Globally, in 2015, an estimated 71 million people were living with chronic HCV infection. The epidemic caused by HCV affects all regions, with major distribution differences between and within countries. 1 HCV is classified into at least seven major genotypes (GT1-7) further subdivided into at least 86 subtypes. 2 A recent publication provides evidence for an additional eighth genotype. 3 HCV genotype 6 (GT6) is almost exclusively restricted to Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) and

‘Unusual’ HCV genotype subtypes: origin, distribution, sensitivity to direct-acting antiviral drugs and behaviour on antiviral treatment and retreatment

“…Subtype 6a was found in 42.8% of Vietnamese and 6e in 37.5% of Cambodian patients, whereas 6q, 6p and 6r were found only in Cambodian patients. 81 Recently, a novel genotype 8a was identified in four patients from Punjab, India, living in Canada. 82 No other subtypes of genotype 8 are known.…”

“…93 Other studies from different countries, including France, the USA and New Zealand, with different subtype distributions have also reported high SVR rates with different DAA regimens. 81 85 99 103 104 Only 11 patients infected with genotype 6 were included in the Dutch nationwide cohort (6a, n=6; 6e, n=3; 6f, n=1; and unassigned 6, n=1). SVR was achieved in 91% of cases, with failure occurring in the patient with subtype 6f infection.…”