Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The high prevalence and spread rates of the disease require serious actions to stop these rates. Determination of HCV genotypes and subgenotypes adds significant knowledge about the epidemiology of the disease, and provides and added value in the decision-making process of what strategy to follow and what therapy response to expert. The molecular epidemiology and genetic variability of HCV variant circulating in Togo still need further analysis. Materials and methods: The HCV molecular epidemiology in Togo was studies using direct sequencing and further phylogenetic analysis of a partial NS5B region of the HCV from 56 patients. HCV genotype and subtype were successfully determined in 41 out of 53. Results: The highest prevalent genotype was genotype 2, which was found in 30 patients (73,2%) followed by genotype 1 that was isolated from 7 patients (17,1%), genotype 4 was isolated from 3 patients (7,3%) and 1 patient (2,4%) was infected by genotype 6. Conclusion: The molecular epidemiology study revealed high prevalence of genotype 2 among Togolese patients followed by genotype 1. HCV RNA Extraction and HCV-NS5B amplification.HCV RNA extraction was carried out by using QIAsymphony DPS virus/Pathogen Midi Kit on automate

Background: Daclatasvir (DCV) is a potent, pangenotypic nonstructural protein 5A inhibitor with demonstrated antiviral efficacy when combined with sofosbuvir (SOF) with or without ribavirin (RBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We are using SOF-DCV combination for large scale treatment. Objectives: The aim of the current study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, with or without ribavirin for previously treated or untreated in treatment of HCV genotype 1, 2 and 4, as well as their effect on the liver fibrosis. Methods: One hundred twenty-seven patients with chronic HCV infection were categorized into 2 groups. The group 1 comprised treatment naïve patients, with total serum bilirubin ≤ 1.2mg/10-1L, serum albumin ≥ 3,5g/10-1L, ALAT ≥ 3N, ASAT≤ 2N and platelets count 150 x 109 /L. The group 2 included Peg-INF-alpha or sofosbuvir treatment-experienced patients or patients having at least 2 of the following characteristics: total bilirubin ≤ 1.2mg/10-1L, serum albumin ≥ 3,5g/10-1L, ALAT ≥ 3N, ASAT ≤ 2N and platelets count 150 x 109 /L. The first group was treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir for 12 weeks except sofosbuvir treatment experienced patients, who were treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir + ribavirin for 24 weeks, with generic medications: DCV 60 mg plus SOF 400 mg ± ribavirin (RBV) within the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Efficacy and safety were assessed, and baseline factors associated with sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12) were explored. Results: Sustained virological response (SVR12), was 95,8% in group 1 and 93,8% in group 2. Such high efficacy was accompanied with tolerable adverse effects as well as with significant improvement in liver fibrosis. Conclusion: SOF plus DCV with or without ribavirin achieved high efficacy and safety in HCV genotypes 1,2 and 4 patients. Their effect was accompanied with attenuation of liver fibrosis. Further wider-scale studies are needed to evaluate the actual role of IL 18 polymorphism in treatment response with Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir.

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV infection (anti-HCV) among hemodialysis patients (HD) varies from country to country and from one center to another. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HBsAg and anti-HCV markers among hemodialysis patients in S.O. CHU in Lomé. Materials and methods: Structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data and sera were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV among End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis in S.O. CHU in Lomé. Results: Out of 75 patients enrolled in the study, HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 6 (8%) and 11 (14.7%) patients respectively. Anti-HCV and HBsAg seropositivity were not associated with the hemodialysis session (p = 0.88) and (p = 0.91) respectively. Furthermore, Univariate analysis showed that, sex, tatoo before dialysis and a history of surgery were not a significant risk factors for HBsAg and HCV seropositivity. The follow-up of the ALT in the both patients (HCV and HBsAg) showed very high significant variation (p = 0.000) and (p = 0.02) respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV in hemodialysis patients seems low in Lomé. It is recommended to check the patients for HBsAg and anti-HCV before admission to the centers.