C316N Polymorphism associated with resistance to HCV polymerase NS5B in treatment-naïve patient with chronic hepatitis C

High genetic variability of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to copying errors during the viral cycle leads to the development of mutations, and resistance-associated variants (RAVs), even with the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Assessment of the presence of these mutations is essential for targeted treatment regimens and proper infection management, as treatment is related to genotypes and developing mutations. The study investigates the presence of resistance mutations in the nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) region in treatment naïve patients. 100 positive plasma samples from patients presented for a follow-up service of chronic HCV infection (CHC) at the National Institute of Hygiene (NIH) of Rabat-Morocco. NS5B sequencing revealed the presence of C316N in one treatment naïve patient of subtype 1b. Additionally, six treatment-naïve patients with subtypes 2a and 2i exhibited the presence of the M289L mutation.