Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hormozgan, Iran

Abstract

BackgroundMore than 170 million people in the world are infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Determination of HCV genotype before starting the treatment is required, because HCV genotype affects the course of treatment and drug dosageObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate HCV genotypes among patients with positive results for anti-HCV in Bandar Abbas from 2011 to 2012.Patients and MethodsFive hundred and nine consecutive patients with established chronic HCV infection referred to Behavioral Diseases Consultation Center, Blood Transfusion and Center for Special Diseases from March 2011 to March 2012 were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Five mL of peripheral blood was taken from precipitants and viral RNA extracted after plasma separation. Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR) assay and then HCV genotypes analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method.ResultsIn overall, 509 patients enrolled to this study. The mean age of these patients was 38.87 ± 9.55 years ranging from 1 to 90 years. Routs of transmission were: 238 (46.7%) inject of substance, 149 (29.3%) unknown rout, 62 (12.2%) blood transfusion, 50 (9.8%) sexual contact, and 10 (2%) mother to child. Frequency of HCV genotypes were: 316 (62.1%) 1a, 117 (23%) 1b, and 76 (14.9%) 3a. there was no significant association between HCV genotypes and gender, educational degree, risk factor of Hepatitis C, job, monthly income, HIV infection, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Intravenous drug injection, and underlying disease (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThis results the same as many similar studies demonstrated that common HCV genotypes in Iranian patients were 1a, 3a and 1b, respectively. Patients with 1a and 1b genotypes have lower responses to interferon treatment, and it is reasonable to perform early screening to diagnose and determine HCV genotype for effective treatment and diagnose high-risk cases.

Epidemiologic Study of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in Lorestan Province (2011-14)

“…In other words, the variants of genotype 3a can be considered a global epidemic in intravenous drug abusers. The Genotype 1a was the second most common genotype in the study, which is in agreement with the results of other studies (21,22). For example, a study on 125 samples collected from the South, Northwestern Iran and Tehran found 1a as the most prevalent genotype (47%).…”

Two unusual hepatitis C virus subtypes, 2j and 2q, in Spain: Identification by nested-PCR and sequencing of a NS5B region

“…The dynamics of subtype 3a did not present relevant differences over the study period, probably because commercial techniques correctly identify this subtype (Verbeeck et al, 2008). The three predominant HCV subtypes recognized from 2012 to 2013, 1b, 1a and 3a, are in agreement with those reported from Spain and other countries (Forns et al, 1996;Olinger et al, 2008;Saglik et al, 2014;Nishiya et al, 2014;Magiorkinis et al, 2009;Mousavi et al, 2013).…”

Hepatitis C and G Virus Infection Prevalence Among Hemodialysis Patients and Associated Risk Factors in the Hormozgan Province of Southern Iran

“…Another study conducted by Mousavi et al (2013) in the Hormozgan province indicated that the overall prevalence of HCV in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan is relatively high, especially in HD patients. Based on their findings, the main risk factors for transmission in this geographical region were intravenous drug abuse, blood transfusion, and sexual contact (21). Additional data in regard to HCV transmission risk behaviors have been provided by Makiani et al (2014).…”