Abstract

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF HCV GENOTYPES AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE WITH VIRAL LOAD

Background &Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most important causative agent of hepatitis infection and leading high risk for progression of liver cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma. HCV Genotyping and quantification of RNA in infected patients is compulsory for designing the remedial strategies. Therefore, the current study is intended to find out the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes in HCV infected patients and their significance with the viral load. Materials &Methods: There are one hundred fifteen HCV infected patients RNA samples were included in this study. HCV genotypes was analyzed by linear array the Roche method after that through viral load measurement was analyzed by Cobas Amplicor Roche. Results: The genotype 4 was observed in 78/115 (67, 82%) patients followed by genotype 1 was observed in 21/115 (18.26%) patients; genotype 2 was observed in 9/115 (7.82%) patients; genotype 3 was observed in 7/115 (6.08%) patients and genotypes 5& 6 were not detected among one hundred fifteen patients. Genotype 4 was found to be the most predominant and significantly higher viral load as compared to genotypes 1, 2&3. Conclusion: The current study identified that HCV genotype 4 and then genotype1 accounted for approximately 87% of the HCV infection in Sirt region of Libya. Genotype 4 was associated with more harshness of liver diseases as compared to other genotypes. This may be due to more capable viral replication of genotype 4 than other types and this study might be continue for antiviral therapy among Libyan population in feature.

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