title: Diversity of genotype and mode of spread of Hepatitis C virus in Northern India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is classified into 6 genotypes. It leads to chronic hepatitis in 80% of the cases. Genotype of the virus helps in predicting response to antiviral therapy and also the duration of treatment. Therefore, it is important to know the prevalence of each genotype. Knowledge regarding the route of entry of HCV in the blood is also necessary to formulate a strategy to prevent its spread.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and two newly diagnosed patients with chronic hepatitis C, having anti-HCV antibody-positive were included in the study. Their HCV RNA viral load and genotype were determined by Reverse Transcriptase PCR assay on Roche Cobas Ampliprep analyzer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Genotype 3 was commonly detected in 58.8% patients followed by genotype 1 in 20.6%. Twelve patients had genotype 4 (11.8%) and 9 had mixed infection with genotypes 3 and 4. Among these patients, 43.1% of patients had a history of multiple injection exposure. Blood transfusion received by 6.9% and 2.9% had donated blood. Only 1 patient had a history of drug abuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The distribution of genotypes varies in different regions and therefore its knowledge is important, as it determines the response of the patient to the treatment. The use of autodisabled syringes, their proper disposal, following biomedical waste management guidelines, and organizing continued medical education and workshops will help in preventing the spread of HCV infection.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India. harmeetrehan@hotmail.com
authors: Harmeet S
authors: HS
authors: Rehan
authors: Seema
authors: S
authors: Manak
authors: Madhur
authors: M
authors: Yadav
authors: Deepti
authors: D
authors: Chopra
authors: Neeta
authors: N
authors: Wardhan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral