Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to find out the frequency of various HCV genotypes present in patients with liver disorders in Karachi, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: All patients including, injectable drug users (IDUs), recycled syringe users, those who have undergone invasive procedures for different ailments, visiting hepatitis clinic at Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, who were positive for hepatitis C virus by PCR, were screened for the genotyping of hepatitis C virus. Blood samples were collected from the patients in yellow top vacutainers and allowed to clot, then centrifuged and serum was separated and saved at -400C till further testing. RNA extraction was done with Promega Kit and HCV genotyping was done on m2000 rt Abbott, using HCV genotyping Amplification Kit. Results: In order to know the prevalence of hepatitis C virus genotype in our community, we determined HCV genotype for 951 patients, who were positive for HCV RNA, by PCR. It was observed that the most prevalent HCV genotype was â�?�?3â�? detected in 713 (75%) patients, followed by 1a in 63 (6.6%) cases. Genotype 3 affecting all age groups was observed. Females were affected by genotype 3 than males. Conclusions: High prevalence of HCV genotype 3 strain among IDUs due to use of recycled syringes and unsafe blood transfusion is a cause of concern for public health professionals in Pakistan; however timely diagnosis may reduce the chances of serious complications due to comparatively effective therapeutic response to available antiviral treatment. Our observations call for developing effective control of factors contributing to high incidence of disease.

Biography

Email: drfatima63@gmail.com