Hepatitis C Genotype Distribution Changing Through Years in the Kahramanmaraş Region

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection still continues to be a significant health problem in the entire world. In addition to this, knowing about the existing genotypes in a region is highly important in terms of guiding antiviral treatment and understanding the epidemiology in that region. In our study, we examined the varying genotype distribution in our region and affecting factors. Materials and Methods: To determine the HCV genotype distribution in Kahramanmaraş in Turkey, patients who were determined to be HCV-positive in the last 4.5 years and whose genotypes were studied retrospectively searched from records and included in the study. Results: Genotype 1 was the most prevalent genotype (47%) in Kahramanmaraş. The second most prevalent (45%) genotype was genotype 3. Additionally, genotypes 2 and 4 were seen at the rates of respectively 2% and 6%. While there was male dominance in genotypes 1, 2, and 3, genotype 4 had female dominance (69%). There was a very high male dominance in genotype 3 (95%), and the mean age of the patients was 26.4. Conclusion: The epidemiology of HCV may show serious variations at locations that receive intense migration and where increased drug usage is observed. The main point in preventing HCV infection should be the identification and elimination of risk factors.