ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. HCV is enveloped, small circular, positive-sense and single stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus from genus Hepacivirus, family Flaviviridae. The ability of the HCV to mutate has resulted in the existence seven main genotypes (1-7) with multiple subtypes. Genotyping is most significant for planning of HCV treatment and helps to cure HCV infection. The Tuscany region has declared its intention to proceed with the eradication of the Hepatitis C virus in the population. The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the incidence of HCV in a population screened in the area of Arezzo from 2016-2020. Furthermore, genotype distribution in those subjects positive for screening was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS The subjects included in the study 5012(31.3%) were positive for HCV-RNA quantification, so they were enrolled for viral genotyping. Blood sample collected in BD Vacutainer® PPT™ Plasma Preparation Tube were used to perform the viral load quantification of the HCV and for genotyping analyses. RESULTS In the patients examined from 2016 to 2020 years we have been note a reduction in positive cases of HCV: 1250(35.4%) in 2016 respect 521(25.4%) in 2020. Among the patients examined from 2016 to 2020 years have been seen a major incidence for genotype 1(55.8%), comparable fraction for type 2(19.2%) and 3(19.1%) and lower incidence for genotype 4(0.05%). The distribution of the HCV genotypes in the years showed that genotype 1a reach the peak of incidence in the 2018 year, while the trend of 1b genotype was almost constant in the period 2016-2020. The genotype 2a/2c reach a peak in the years 2018 and 2019, the genotype 3a were observed an increase in the 2017, then a reduction. The genotype 4 was constant in the years. Conclusion The data from the present study seem to suggest that there has been a slight change in the epidemiology of HCV genotypes in the Arezzo, although the genotype 1b remain the most prevalent in Italy, the genotype 3a in surprisingly increased in the area of Arezzo. This study show a reduction of positive cases during the years, as a result of the Tuscany's new eradication strategy, despite the reduced requests during covid emergency.