Prevalence of Common Types of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes and the Relation between Age, Sex and Transmission Risk Factors in Kerman, Iran

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has 6 known genotypes which are different in clinical features and are related with hepatic disease. The viral types and subtypes differ in their geographical distribution and antigenic features. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different HCV genotypes and their relation with age, sex and transmission factors in the city of Kerman. A total of eighty five subjects were chosen for this study from patients referred to Blood Transfusion Organization and gastroenterology clinic of Afzalipour general hospital. All of the subjects had a positive anti-HCV antibody and a secondary positive RIBA test for HCV. Genotyping was done by the RFLP method in 5'NCR region of HCV genome. The most common types of genotype in our study were 1a (38.8%), 3a (29.4%), 1b (8.2%), however some genotypes of the cases could not be determined (23.5%). 37.6% of the cases were thalassemic patients and 11.8% of the cases were heroin abusers and/or had tattoo. No significant difference was observed with regard to age or sex, however some patterns could be seen in females, youth, thalassemic and hemodialysis patients genotype 1a was dominant, however among Heroin abusers and individuals with Tattoo genotype 3a was more prevalent. Distribution of HCV genotype depends on geographical location. In Iran the most common genotypes are 1a and 3a, which is not consistent when compared to the findings reported from developed countries. The relationship among different genotypes and sex, and age , remains controversial.