title: Hepatitis C virus genotypes in the liver and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in a central area of Italy (Umbria); to analyze the correspondence of the genotypes detected in serum and liver samples; to study the relationship between HCV genotypes and severity of liver disease; to test whether co-infection with more than one HCV subtype could be influenced by the source of infection. METHODS: Genotyping by polymerase chain reaction with core-specific primers (Okamoto method) was performed in the serum and liver from 48 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed chronic C hepatitis. RESULTS: HCV genotype 1b was the prevalent strain and was not associated with more severe histologic damage. Data show a very good correspondence between genotypes identified in serum and liver specimens (91%). Mixed infections (with subtypes 1b and 2a) correlated significantly with intravenous drug abuse (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that subtype 1b is prevalent in central Italy. Co-infection with more than one subtype is not rare in intravenous drug abusers.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infectious Diseases and.
authors.forename: Giuseppe Vittorio Luigi
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: De Socio
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Francisci
authors.forename: Fiorella
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mecozzi
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sensini
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Polidori
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Castronari
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pauluzzi
authors.forename: Giuliano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stagni