Recent updates on molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Gujranwala, Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C infection (HCV) remains a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, posing a critical health threat worldwide.

Objective: This research aimed to provide a contemporary overview of HCV infection and its genotypic distribution in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, it sought to explore the interrelation between HCV genotypes and associated risk factors among individuals infected with HCV.

Method: To examine the prevalence of antibodies against HCV, blood samples were collected from 1004 patients and tested using an immunochromatographic test (ICT). Positive ICT samples were subsequently confirmed through a chemiluminescence technique and then subjected to amplification and genotyping.

Results: The study revealed that females (54.68%) were more affected by HCV than males (45.32%). Notably, the highest incidence of HCV infection (27%) was observed in the 50-59 age group. Among HCV RNA-positive patients, genotype 3a predominated, accounting for 71.81% of cases. High rate of untypable genotypes was also detected (20.82%), along with mixed (3.29%), 1a (2.09%), 1b (0.79%), 2b (0.70%), and 3b (0.50%).

Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of genotype 3a as the most common HCV genotype in the sampled population. This information is crucial for informing public health interventions and further research in the field of HCV infection.