Study of Hepatitis C Virus Infection at a Tertiary Hospital: Genotyping, Risk Factors and Comorbidities

Author: AR Siti Nurul Fazlin ; H Hairul Aini ; MM Mohammed Imad
Publication Type:Original Article
Keywords: Hepatitis C, HCV, Genotyping, RT-PCR
From: The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2017;16(1):11-20
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is very important for the clinical management of HCVinfected patients. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of HCV-infected patients and to identify their risk factors and comorbidities. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, cross sectional study in which forty (40) HCV-infected patients attending Gastroenterology Clinic, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan Pahang were recruited for the study, from January to July 2014. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 5’UTR and NS5B region were performed to identify the viral genotypes. Results: Of the 40 samples, 31 (77.5%) isolates were successfully classified into their genotypes and subtypes; 3a (57.5%), 1a (12.5%), 3b (2.5%) and 1b (2.5%). No genotype 2, 4, 5 and 6 were found in this study. However, there was one mixed-genotype (3a/1a) HCV infection. Risk factors and co-morbidities found in this study include IVDUs, haemodialysis, blood transfusion, surgery and co-infection with HIV. Conclusion: Genotype 3 followed by genotype 1 were the common HCV genotypes found in this study population. Furthermore, the highest risk factors and co-morbidities were IVDUs and co-infection with HIV.