Prevalence of HCV and Its Correlation with HCV Genotypes

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus is known to cause liver inflammation, which may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The genomes of HCV display sequence heterogenicity, thus, are classified in different genotypes and subtypes. Genotyping aids in understanding the epidemiology, biological features of the virus and inspecting the outbreak of the viral infection. Materials and Methods: In the present study, HCV viral RNA was isolated and quantified by RT-PCR technique followed by determining its genotype by Sanger sequencing method from the blood samples of infected patients. Results: Out of 40 samples, 25 showed positive results and 15 samples showed copy number lower than detection limit (< 35 IU/ml). Of 25 patients, the predominant genotype was 3 (a, b, g, i, k) followed by genotype 1 (a, b, g) and 4(a, c). Conclusion: The results revealed that genotype 3b accounted for the highest number of cases with positive HCV viral load as compared to genotype 1 and 4. The higher prevalence of genotype 3 shows that the needful measure and timely treatment should be conducted.