Genotyping of HCV RNA reveals that 3a is the most prevalent genotype in mardan, pakistan.
The clinical outcomes of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) range from acute resolving hepatitis to chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of the infecting virus genotype is indispensable for the exploration of many aspects of HCV infection, including epidemiology, pathogenesis, and response to antiviral therapy. 1419 individuals were screened for anti-HCV in this study, of which 166 (11.7%) were found reactive by ICT (Immunochromatographic test). These 166 anti-HCV positive and 26 normal individuals were further analyzed. RNA was extracted from serum and reverse-transcribed to cDNA and the core region of HCV genome was targeted and amplified by multiplex PCR. HCV RNA was detected in 121 individuals, of which 87 were male and 34 were female. Genotype 3a was the most prevalent among all the genotypes observed followed by 3b. Genotypes 1a, 2a, and 2b were found in 10.89%, 13.22%, and 6.61% patients, respectively. 25.41% of the HCV RNA positive samples were not typed. 6.05% of patients were found having mixed genotypes. These findings will not only help the physicians to prescribe more appropriate treatment for the HCV infection but will also draw the attention of health-related policy makers to devise strategies to curb the disease more effectively.
Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan ; Center of Biotechnology & Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan.
Sajid
S
Ali
Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
Ayaz
A
Ahmad
Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
Raham Sher
RS
Khan
Department of Biotechnology, KUST, Kohat 26000, Pakistan.
Sanaullah
S
Khan
Department of Botany, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
Muhammad
M
Hamayun
Center of Biotechnology & Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan.
Sumera Afzal
SA
Khan
Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
Amjad
A
Iqbal
Center of Biotechnology & Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan.
Abid Ali
AA
Khan
Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
Abdul
0000-0002-3415-9277
A
Wadood
Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
Taj
T
Ur Rahman
Department of Biotechnology, KUST, Kohat 26000, Pakistan.
Ali Hydar
AH
Baig