B-256 Genotype Distribution of the Hepatitis C Virus: 10 Years Data of a Clinical Laboratory in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant health problem worldwide and is a major cause of severe liver disease including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is divided into six genotypes with several sub-genotypes depending on the geographic region, some genotypes are endemic. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of the HCV genotype (G) profile by gender and age using a database of a large Brazilian clinical laboratory. Methods This was a retrospective analysis from January 2012 to December 2022 based on molecular data of 3.566 isolated from clinical samples. The automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids were conducted from EDTA plasma samples of individuals suspected of HCV infection. Then, nucleic acid amplification was performed using oligonucleotide probes labeled with fluorescent dyes specific for the qualitative identification of HCV genotypes 1 to 6 and subtypes A and B of genotype 1. Results A total of 3.566 HCV genotype cases were analyzed during the period. The genotype distribution was (2.653/74.4%) G1 (48.1% G1A and 46.4% G1B), (733/ 20.5%) G3, (133/3.7%) G2, (35/0.9%) G4, (11/0.3%) G5 and (1/0.02%) G6. Twelve patients had multiple genotypes over the last ten years. At least one individual changed the genotype over a 3-year evaluation period, and 11 (0.30%) changed it twice. The genotypes G1 and G3 were predominant in all years analyzed. The prevalence of G1 and G3 was 75% and 19.6% among females and 74% and 21.2% among male patients, respectively. The analysis was conducted on individuals aged 6 to 99 years, with an overall average age of 52.6±13 years. The average age among men was 51.1 ± 12 years and among women, it was 54.7 ± 13 years. According to the age groups evaluated, genotype 1 was the most frequent, ranging from 69.3% (21 to 30 years old) to 75.8% (over 60 years old). The main subtype in the over 60 years old group was 1B. The highest frequency of genotype 2 was observed in the group over 60 years old (6.1%). The patient's symptoms, clinical history, or further diagnostic procedures were not accessible. Conclusion The study found that genotypes 1 and 3 were the most prevalent in Brazil over the ten-year period, with genotype 1 being the most frequent among all age groups. Genotype 1B was most prevalent in individuals above 60 years old. The change of genotype per individual was less than 1%, but further attention is required for potential virus tropism.