Hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in Turkey remains unchanged after a decade: Performance of phylogenetic analysis of the NS5B, E1, and 5’UTR regions in genotyping efficiency

Abstract

Background/Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping has a considerable effect on therapy. The aim was to determine the change in prevalence of HCV genotypes in Turkey during the last decade and to compare the performance of DNA sequencing of different targets in the HCV genome (NS5B, E1, and 5'UTR). Materials and Methods: Five hundred HCV RNA-positive patients (226 males, 274 females) were included in the study. The NS5B, E1, and 5'UTR regions of the HCV genome were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients where possible. Amplified PCR products were sequenced directly, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. A commonly used database, namely www.hcv.lanl.gov, was also used to determine the genotypes. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of the NS5B, E1, and 5'UTR regions showed that 1b was the most frequent genotype, with percentages of 92.5%, 93.5%, and 87.7%, respectively. Genotype 1a was the second most prevalent genotype, with ratios of 6.7%, 5.6%, and 6.6%, whereas genotype 2a was detected in proportions of 0.4%, 0.2%, and 0.8%, respectively. Genotype 5 or 6 was not detected among patients. The phylogenetic analysis showed discordant results with 18 patients' genotypes for different targets. The phylogenetic analysis showed similar results with the hcv.lanl. gov database for the E1 and NS5B sequences. Conclusion: There has been no change in genotyping profiles of Turkey during the last decade, representing 1b as the most prevalent subtype, followed by 1a. Phylogenetic analysis of HCV indicated high performance compared with the hcv.lanl.gov database when sequences of E1 and NS5B regions were analyzed.

Epidemiology and viral risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in the Eastern Mediterranean countries

“…The most common genotype in Southern Israel was genotype 1b (62%) while genotype 4 (78%) was predominant in the Gaza Strip [61] . Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and HCV genotype pattern is similar to Eastern and Southern European countries, having genotype 1b as the most frequent genotype (> 70%) followed by genotype 1a [62] . HCV genotype 3a is the most common subtype in Iran followed by genotype 1a, 1b and 4 [63] .…”

Seroprevalance of hepatitis B and C infections in Turkey

“…HCV genotype 1b was the most prevalent subtype in Turkey. A study comprising 500 patients that investigated the phylogenetic analysis of HCV-infected patients showed that HCV genotype 1b remained the most prevalent type throughout the previous decade (13). In Turkey, there is no national screening program for HCV.…”

Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Rasht, Capital City of Guilan Province, Northern Part of Iran

“…In Iran, located in the Middle East, there has been regional reports on hepatitis genotyping among infected patients. Compared to the studies of Iran's neighboring countries, it can be understood that the most common genotype is G1, found in approximately 50% to 75% of samples from Turkey and Bahrain (26)(27)(28). No study is available on HCV genotypic variation from Iran, Bahrain, and Pakistan, which could give cohesive circulation of HCV genotypes.…”