Genotyping of hepatitis C virus by the polymerase chain reaction: a comparison of two PCR-based methods using core or NS5 primers

Abstract

The presence of hepatitis C virus subtypes and their clinical importance, especially in the context of interferon sensitivity, are reported. In this study, we compared two kinds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods-one step quick subtyping and two stage subtyping procedure for the determination of genotypes. Using the mixed primer sets derived from the core or NS5 region, we amplified cDNA samples obtained from patients with a hepatitis C virus infection. Of 116 samples tested, 91 (78%) showed different ones. Although such discrepant results are considered to be related to the characteristics of these two methods, further studies remain to elucidated. © 1995.