Sequence diversity of hepatitis C virus in Belarus

Is elimination of hepatitis C virus realistic by 2030: Eastern Europe

“…The distribution of HCV genotypes in Belarus is similar to that in Russia and Ukraine. The results of a study of 887 patients with HCV infection showed that HCV genotype 1b was found in 59.8% of patients, genotype 3a in 27.7%, genotype 1a in 7.1% and genotype 2 in 3.3% 20 . Like in other EE countries, the distribution of genotypes is dependent upon a cohort phenomenon (patients with HCV genotype 1b are older than those with genotype 3a) and also they differ in the mode of transmission of HCV.…”

“…Like in other EE countries, the distribution of genotypes is dependent upon a cohort phenomenon (patients with HCV genotype 1b are older than those with genotype 3a) and also they differ in the mode of transmission of HCV. The main possible mode of transmission indicated by patients with HCV genotype 1b was a previous medical intervention or it was unknown, while it was IDU or non‐medical events such as tattoos or piercing in patients with genotypes 3a or 1a 20 . IDU is expected to be the main mode of transmission of HCV in the next 5‐10 years because the prevalence of drug abuse increased from 63/100 000 in 2005 to 100,7/100 000 in 2018, when drug dependence was diagnosed in 9593 persons 17 .…”