Abstract

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF HCV GENOTYPES AND SUBGENOTYPES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH VIRAL LOAD IN A GROUP OF IRAQI PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HCV INFECTION

*Zainab Salim, Dr. Saja Jehad Al-Khalidi and Dr. Abbas Mahmood Ahmed

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is one of the major causes of viral hepatitis. Approximately 170 million people are infected with HCV worldwide. There are no published population based studies about the prevalence of HCV sub-genotypes in Iraq. Objectives: The aim of the study was determination of HCV sub genotypes among a group of Iraqi patients with chronic HCV infection. Patients and Methods: All the samples were subjected to RNA extraction and "realtime RT-PCR" for the quantification of HCV RNA. Genotyping and sub-genotyping were done by using "Versant-LiPA HCV Genotyping assay". The statistical analysis of the data was done by using SPSS version 18. Results: The predominant sub-genotype among Iraqi patients was 1a (20%), followed 4c and 4h (12% each) and then 1b (10%). The frequency of HCV sub-genotypes 1a was higher in male patients compared to female, while female found to be higher in sub genotypes 4 and 2. There was no significant difference of HCV RNA level and genotype and sub-genotype. Conclusions: The most common HCV sub genotype in Iraq was subtype 1a followed by 4c, 4h and 1b.

Keywords: HCV sub-genotypes in Iraq.