title: Determining hepatitis C virus genotype distribution among high-risk groups in Iran using real-time PCR.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype patterns among high-risk Iranian groups, using real-time RT-PCR.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, we evaluated the distribution of different HCV genotypes among injection drug users and other high-risk groups over a 4-year period (from 2009 to 2012) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sera from 888 HCV-infected patients residing in southern and southwest Iran were genotyped using real-time PCR with common primers and specific probes. These patients were grouped into distinct exposure categories. Illicit drug users constituted the primary group and were further evaluated for HCV genotype distribution and parameters such as age range.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the examined HCV-infected patients, 62% were substance abusers, although the route of transmission could not be determined in approximately 30% of these patients. HCV genotyping revealed that Gt1 was the most prevalent genotype among the drug users as well as among patients with thalassemia, hemophilia, solid organ recipients and those on hemodialysis. Mixed infections were only seen in addict groups, where Gt2 genotype was also found. The highest frequencies in HCV-positive addict patients were observed in the 31-40 age group. Our research also showed that the addiction age has increased, whereas the addiction rate has dropped in this region. Most illicit drug users had more than one risk factor such as tattoo and/or a history of imprisonment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study revealed that the most common HCV-infection route and HCV-genotype in southern and southwest Iran was illicit drug abuse and Gt1, respectively.
authors.affiliation: Marzieh Jamalidoust, Mandana Namayandeh, Sadaf Asaei, Nasrin Aliabadi, Mazyar Ziyaeyan, Department of Virology, Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71937-11351, Iran.
authors.forename: Marzieh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jamalidoust
authors.affiliation: Marzieh Jamalidoust, Mandana Namayandeh, Sadaf Asaei, Nasrin Aliabadi, Mazyar Ziyaeyan, Department of Virology, Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71937-11351, Iran.
authors.forename: Mandana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Namayandeh
authors.affiliation: Marzieh Jamalidoust, Mandana Namayandeh, Sadaf Asaei, Nasrin Aliabadi, Mazyar Ziyaeyan, Department of Virology, Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71937-11351, Iran.
authors.forename: Sadaf
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asaei
authors.affiliation: Marzieh Jamalidoust, Mandana Namayandeh, Sadaf Asaei, Nasrin Aliabadi, Mazyar Ziyaeyan, Department of Virology, Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71937-11351, Iran.
authors.forename: Nasrin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aliabadi
authors.affiliation: Marzieh Jamalidoust, Mandana Namayandeh, Sadaf Asaei, Nasrin Aliabadi, Mazyar Ziyaeyan, Department of Virology, Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71937-11351, Iran.
authors.forename: Mazyar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ziyaeyan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005814:Genes, Viral; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Hepatitis C virus genotype distribution; Injection drug users; Iran; Real-time PCR