Genotyping of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in infected patients from Northeast Mexico.
Information about HCV genotypes in infected patients from different regions of Mexico is limited.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes in a group of HCV infected patients who attended a third level Hospital in Northeast of Mexico.


METHODS
Genotyping analysis was performed using the InnoLiPA-HCV genotype assay in 147 patients (65 males and 82 females, mean age 44 +/- 12 years) with positive anti-HCV antibodies and detectable HCV-RNA levels.


RESULTS
Infected individuals were more likely to be female (56%). Histological data showed that 63% of the patients had chronic hepatitis, while the remainder presented cirrhosis (37%). The most frequent HCV genotype was 1 (73%). We found the following distribution: genotype 1 (2.7%), 1a (28.6%), 1b (37.4%), 1a/1b (4.1%), 2a (1.4%), 2b (8.8%), 2c (0.7%), 2a/2c (2.7%), 3 (2%), 3a (10.2%), 4 (0.7%) and 4c (0.7%). The most frequent associated risk factor was blood transfusion (72.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of HCV genotypes in the Northeast of Mexico is similar to those reported previously in other Mexican regions and the most frequent risk factor continues being blood transfusion.
Rivas-Estilla
Ana María
AM
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine and University Hospital Dr. José E. González, UANL, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
Cordero-Pérez
Paula
P
Trujillo-Murillo
Karina del Carmen
Kdel C
Ramos-Jiménez
Javier
J
Chen-López
Carlos
C
Garza-Rodríguez
María de L
Mde L
Ramírez-Gutiérrez
Angel
A
Muñoz-Espinosa
Linda
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000635:transmission; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral