title: [Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Jeju Island].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype affects clinical outcomes of HCV infection, in terms of the response to antiviral therapy and progression of chronic liver diseases, and shows geographic differences in distribution. The aim of this study was to elucidate the HCV genotypes in patients with chronic HCV infection in Jeju, which is an island off the Korean peninsula.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population consisted of 162 patients with anti-HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA. HCV genotypes were determined using genotype specific primers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HCV genotype 2a predominated (62.3%), followed by genotype 1b (34.0%) and 2b (3.7%). The prevalence of genotypes differed significantly with age, with HCV genotypes 1 and 2 being more frequent in older and younger subjects (P=0.035), respectively. HCV-RNA levels were higher in patients with genotype 1 than in those with genotype 2 (P=0.001). HCV genotype was not significantly related to sex, clinical diagnosis and potential risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HCV genotype 2a is most common in Jeju, followed by genotype 1b. Our results suggest that the distribution of the HCV genotype differs between regions in Korea.
authors: Department of Medicine, Cheju National University College of Medicine Cheju National University Hospital, Jeju, Korea.
authors: Hojun
authors: H
authors: Lee
authors: Yoo-Kyung
authors: YK
authors: Cho
authors: Heung Up
authors: HU
authors: Kim
authors: Eun Kwang
authors: EK
authors: Choi
authors: Soyoung
authors: S
authors: Hyun
authors: Donggu
authors: D
authors: Kang
authors: Seung Uk
authors: SU
authors: Jeong
authors: Hyun Ju
authors: HJ
authors: Kim
authors: Kwang Sik
authors: KS
authors: Kim
authors: Byung-Cheol
authors: BC
authors: Song
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012424:Rural Population
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral