MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN RURAL INDIA OF WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognized as one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. It causes chronic hepatitis, which can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV has different genotypes that can vary in pathogenicity and impact treatment outcomes. Identifying HCV genotypes is very important in selecting antiviral therapy, dose adjustment of antiviral drugs, determination of duration of treatment, and follow-up of the treatment response. Objectives: To determine the genotype of HCV in HCV-positive patients. Materials and Methods: We included 100 anti-HCV-positive patients. HCV RNA (Ribo Nucleic Acid) identification and HCV genotyping assays of the positive specimens were performed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 52 HCV RNA-positive cases, Males were more preponderant than females, and the were years. Genotype 3 (n = 40; 76.9%) accounted for the highest number of cases, was only present one case (n = 1; 1.9%), while genotype 4 could not be detected at all was found to be genotypes in the Western part of Uttar Pradesh. Genotype 4 was not detected in any positive cases. Identifying HCV genotypes is important for the optimum management of chronically infected HCV patients.