Molecular epidemiology and genetic analysis of HCV infection in Cyprus within an intravenous drug user study cohort

Demetris C Iacovides,Leontios G Kostrikis,Athos Chrysanthou,Johana Hezka,Natasa Savvopoulou

doi:10.1186/1742-4690-9-s1-p51

Demetris C Iacovides, Leontios G Kostrikis + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-9-s1-p51

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Journal: Retrovirology	Publication Date: May 25, 2012
License type: CC BY 2.0

Affiliation: University of Nicosia

Abstract

The HCV genome is highly heterogeneous, owing to the high mutation rate of RNA viruses. There are seven HCV genotypes, with numerous subtypes and viral quasispecies. The prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally, and strains show highly variable sensitivity to available therapeutics. Thus, genetic and epidemiological studies of hepatitis C infection are significant, especially within high-risk cohorts where viral evolution can be rapid and unpredictable.

Highlights

The HCV genome is highly heterogeneous, owing to the high mutation rate of RNA viruses
21 out of 64 research subjects (32.8%) were positive for HCV, a percentage much lower than the global average (60%) amongst intravenous drug users (IVDU)
38% of the subjects were infected with strain 1b, which is fairly uncommon amongst IVDUs

Summary

Introduction

The HCV genome is highly heterogeneous, owing to the high mutation rate of RNA viruses. There are seven HCV genotypes, with numerous subtypes and viral quasispecies. The prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally, and strains show highly variable sensitivity to available therapeutics. Genetic and epidemiological studies of hepatitis C infection are significant, especially within high-risk cohorts where viral evolution can be rapid and unpredictable

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions