Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes and Subtypes in the Metropolitan Area of Naples, Italy, in the Era of Interferon-Free Regimens

The objective of this work was to study the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes from 2010 to 2015 in 1,221 anti-HCV/HCV-RNA-positive specimens from patients living in the metropolitan area of Naples, since HCV genotypes and subtypes remain cornerstones in the management of chronic HCV infection even in the directly acting antivirals era.Methods: The study was carried out on 1,221 anti-HCV/HCV-RNA-positive plasma samples collected between April 2010 and December 2015.Results: Of the 1,221 patients enrolled, 633 (51.9%) were males and 588 (48.1%) were females, with a mean age of 60 ± 13 (SD) years. The most frequent HCV genotype observed was genotype 1 (68.1%; 1b in 55.3% and 1a in 9.5%); HCV genotype 2 was found in 289 samples (23.67%), genotype 3 in 6.47%, genotype 4 in only 19 samples, and only 2 samples were classified as genotype 5. The mean age of the patients with geno type 1a or 3 was lower (51 ± 12 and 49 ± 12 years, respectively) than those with genotype 1b (62 ± 11,p
Source: Intervirology - Category: Virology Source Type: research