Frequency Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in District Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

AIM: Hepatitis C viral infection is a major health issue in the globe especially in developing countries like in Pakistan with prevalence rate of about 6% of the total population. True epidemiological data in developing countries about this infection is almost inadequate. The main objective of this study was determined the existence of different HCV genotypes in study area, in gender and in different age groups. METHODS: It was a prospective, observational study carried for HCV genotyping from Jan, 2011 to March 2011 at Genome Center for Molecular Based Diagnostics and Research (GCMBDR) Lahore. A total of 375 HCV positive samples were received by GCMBDR Lahore from various areas of Karachi. These HCV Positive samples were used for genotyping by using nested and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Molecular genotyping assay was carried out for 375 HCV positive serum samples. Out of 375 HCV positive serum samples 153(40.8%) were male and 222 (59.2 %) were female. Prevalence breakup of the circulating genotypes was: genotype 3a was detected in 220 (58.67%) patients followed by untypable 52 (13.87%), 1a 44 (11.73%), 2a 11 (2.93%), 3b 11 (2.93%), 1b 8 (2.13%) and 29 (7.73%) patients showed mixed infection of two different genotypes. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that most prevalent genotype was 3a in district Karachi. Most predominant prevalence was seen in age group of 20-40.