The Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern and the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. This infection is the most common risk factor for the progression of chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C virus infection is classified into six major genotypes and multiple subtypes. The distribution of HCV genotypes seems to vary in different areas around the globe. Objectives In this study, we aimed to identify HCV RNA and perform genotyping in anti-HCV-positive patients through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We compared the results of PCR and ELISA tests among patients referred to several healthcare centers of Mazandaran province, situated in North of Iran, during 2015 - 2016. Methods A total of 157 patients with anti-HCV-positive specimens were enrolled in this study during 2015-2016. Hepatitis C virus-RNA was extracted from the serum samples, using pure link viral RNA Mini kit. Detection of HCV nucleic acids was performed by using the serum samples from anti-HCV positive specimens. The genotypes of the HCV genome were determined by PCR, using the RNA-PCR kit according to the specified protocol. Also, the PCR products (DNA fragments) from these samples were run on 1.5% agarose gel and visualized on a UV analyzer. All the samples were examined at the virology laboratory of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Results The mean age of the patients was 39 ± 14.3 years (range: 20 - 68 years). In total, 110 (70.06%) and 47 (29.94%) anti-HCV-positive patients were male and female, respectively. Hepatitis C virus–RNA was detected in 84 (53.50%) out of 157 patients with positive HCV antibodies. Based on the findings, the majority of HCV-RNA positive patients were intravenous drug users (46.43%). In this study, the 3a HCV genotype was predominant (59.52%), followed by the 1a/b genotype (40.48%). Conclusions The present findings indicate that the 3a genotype is the most frequent HCV genotype, followed by 1a/b in the study region. The prevalence and incidence of HCV genotypes seem to vary in different areas, with each genotype showing a different response to interferon therapy. Therefore, it is essential to determine the predominant subtypes of HCV.