P-290 Serum hepatitis C virus(HCV) RNA levels and efficacy of interferon(IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C in habitual drinkers

Background and objectives- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with majority of the patients being asymptomatic and when they present to clinicians, they have already advanced liver disease in form of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Data from developing countries on this evolving global health problem are sparse. Hence this study was planned with the aim to determine the HCV genotypes prevalant in patients attending a tertiary care hospital with their clinical prole. Materials and Methods- Detailed history taking and clinical examination were done of consecutive 30 patients who attended out-patient department or admitted at in- patient department of Tropical Medicine with chronic hepatitis C. Laboratory investigations like LFT, viral serology (HBsAg, AntiHCV, HIV), prothrombin time, ultrasonography of upper abdomen, HCV- RNA Quantative assay with genotyping were done. Data were collected and then analysed using standard statistical methods. Result- Of proposed 30 sample size, complete data could be collected of 28 patients and accordingly, analysis was done. Of the 28 HCV seroreactive individuals, majority (20) were males. The mode of transmission was unknown in 19 patients, blood transfusion in 5 patients who were thalassemic and hemodialysis in remaining 4 patients. Most of the patients (18/28) were asymptomatic even if their viral load was high. Most common presenting symptom was dyspepsia. LFT showed signicant transaminitis in 50% of the patients. Of the 28 seroreactive patients, 15 (53.57%) were HCV RNA positive based on RT-PCR. HCV rNA was below detectable level in 13 patients. HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype found in 11 individuals followed by genotype 1 found in 3 and genotype 2 was seen in one individual. Conclusion- Community screening specially among high risk individuals is needed for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of chronic hepatitis C to prevent its several complications and also to prevent community spread.

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Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes in a group of patients with chronic hepatitis C from Canton Sarajevo, 2012-2018

Acta Medica Saliniana ◽

10.5457/ams.v49i0.524 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 ◽

Author(s):

Irma Salimović- Bešić ◽

Adna Kahriman ◽

Suzana Arapčić ◽

Amela Dedeić- Ljubović

Keyword(s):

Chronic Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Chronic Hepatitis C ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Genotype 3 ◽

Hcv Genotype ◽

Hcv Genotypes ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Subtype 1B

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes exhibit significant geographic variations.Aim: To analyse the distribution of genotypes/subtypes of HCV in a group of patients with chronic hepatitis C from Canton Sarajevo during 2012-2018.Material and methods:The study enrolled 247 human plasma samples of HCV-RNA positive patients with available results of HCV genotyping test.Results: During 2012-2018, the domination of subtypes 1a (34.01%), 1b (28.34%) and genotype 3 (23.89%) was registered. In 2012 and 2013, HCV subtype 1a was the most common (27/63; 42.86% and 17/40; 42.50%, respectively). In 2014, the leading HCV genotype/subtype were 3 and 1b (17/57; 29.82%). In 2015, the dominance of HCV genotype 3 (14/39; 35.90%) continued, while in 2016, the same number of HCV subtypes 1a and 1b (11/30; 36.67%) was recorded. Although in a small number of tested, during 2017, HCV subtype 1b was the most prevalent (7/14; 50.00%), and in 2018, it was replaced by a HCV subtype 1a (3/4; 75.00%). Distribution of HCV genotypes/subtypes by age group of patients varied significantly (p=0.000). The largest number of patients (71/247; 28.74%) belonged to the age category 30-39 years and HCV genotypes/subtypes 1, 3, 4, 1a and 1b were identified. Except in 2017, male gender significantly dominated (p=0.000). In males, HCV subtype 1a (68/170; 40.00%) was the most common, while in women it was HCV subtype 1b (44/77; 57.14%).Conclusion: This six-year retrospective study showed the time variations of the circulating HCV genotypes/subtypes among patients with chronic hepatitis C in Canton Sarajevo. Genotyping of the HCV has an important implications for diagnosis and treatment of the patients.

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