Hepatitis C virus genotypes among chronic hepatitis C Egyptian patients

ABSTRACT

Several studies revealed that there is certain geographical distribution of HCV genotypes. The aim of the present study was the detection of hepatitis C virus genotypes among Egyptian patients sufferring from chronic virus C hepatitis. Forty two patients diagnosed as chronic virus C Hepatitis were the subject of this study. The diagnosis was based on history taking, clinical examination, liver function tests, determination of virus C antibodies using second generation enzyme immunoassay [ELA-2]. Confirmatory testing for the anti-HCV seropositive results was done using the third generation line immunoassay. HCV RNA detection was done using PCR. Histopathological examination for liver biopsies was done for 22 cases. Genotypes of HCV were determined by line-probe assay. The results revealed that genotype 4 was found in 85% [36 cases] and coinfections of types 4 and 1 and 4 and 2 in 9.53% [4 cases] and 4.76% [2 cases] respectively. The severity of the disease tended to be worse in patients who had mixed infection