Hepatitis C Genotypes in Libya: Correlation with Patients' Characteristics, Level of Viremia, and Degree of Liver Fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS: HCV genotype 4 is the predominant genotype in Libya followed by genotype 1. However, as we go from the east to the west of the country, genotype 1 increases. Genotype 4 was associated with higher level of viremia and higher stage of liver fibrosis. It is important to note that both genotypes 1 and 4 are associated with a poor response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. The findings emphasize the need to develop improved strategies in Libya for the successful treatment of HCV infection with novel newly available antiviral drugs. PMID: 29026473 [PubMed]
Source: Oman Medical Journal - Category: Middle East Health Tags: Oman Med J Source Type: research