Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes, risk factors and liver disease in patients from Yucatán, México.
OBJECTIVE
To make a preliminary determination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype prevalence and possible genotype associations with risk factors and severity of associated liver disease in patients from Yucatan, Mexico.


METHODS
Sera from 54 patients with positive anti-HCV and HCV RNA were genotyped using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors were evaluated using a questionnaire. The evaluations also included serum ALT levels and liver biopsies in some participants.


RESULTS
HCV genotype 1 was detected in 37%, genotype 2 in 33.3%, genotype 3 in 16.7% and mixed genotypes in 7.4%. Subtype 2b was the most frequent (33.3%), followed by 1b (18.5%), 3a (16.7%) and 1a (14.8%). Surgeries (53.7%) and transfusion (38.9%) were the main risk factors. Liver biopsies were available in 24 (44.4%) patients. Severe liver disease was present in 6 (54.5%) of the patients with genotype 1 and in none of those with genotype 2. A statistically significant association was observed between patients with a family history of liver disease and genotype 2 (P = 0.021). Liver damage severity increased with longer duration of infection (P = 0.007). No statistically significant association was observed between severe liver damage and the different genotypes.


CONCLUSIONS
Subtype 2b was the most prevalent. This contrasts with the studies done in different states of Mexico in that this subtype was not identified or had prevalence approximately 2 times less than reported here.
García-Montalvo
Beatriz María
BM
Centro Médico Nacional, Ignacio García Téllez, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida, Yucatán, México. bgarciam04@yahoo.com.mx
Galguera-Colorado
Pedro Luis
PL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016679:Genome, Viral; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires