Abstract
The importance of determination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes has been demonstrated not only as epidemiological characteristics, but also as prognostic factors regarding the seriousness of the disease and response to interferon (IFN) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Aim of this study was to determine HCV genotypes in a group of elderly patients with CHC, in order to acquire epidemiological data on the prevalence of HCV genotypes in Eastern Sicily, and to evaluate any relationship with the seriousness of the disease and with the response to IFN. The study was carried out on 22 patients with CHC, aged from 65 to 75 years. The prevalence of HCV-RNA subtypes in elderly patients (Group A) was compared with two other groups: Group B aged from 36 to 64 years; and Group C aged from 20 to 35 years. HCV-RNA proved to be positive in 20 of the 22 patients in Group A, and in 100% of these cases the prevalent subtype was 1b; in the other two groups the occurrence of other subtypes was more frequent, especially in the younger ages. In conclusion, the subtype 1b is indigenous in our region and it cannot be proposed as the only prognostic factor for seriousness of the disease and response to IFN, especially in elderly patients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
