Changes in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 in Calabria, Southern Italy

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, focusing on genotype 4, by surveying population of chronic hepatitis C patients within an area of Southern Italy. HCV-RNA was detected in serum using two commercial hepatitis C RNA PCR assays (Amplico...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease 2002-03, Vol.42 (3), p.169-173
Main Authors: Matera, Giovanni, Lamberti, Angelo, Quirino, Angela, Focà, Domenico, Giancotti, Aida, Barreca, Giorgio S., Guadagnino, Vincenzo, Liberto, Maria Carla
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Epidemiology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genes, Viral
Genotype
Hepacivirus - genetics
Hepacivirus - isolation & purification
Hepatitis C - epidemiology
Hepatitis C - virology
Humans
Italy - epidemiology
Male
Microbiology
Middle Aged
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Prevalence
Virology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The aim of this study was to assess changes in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, focusing on genotype 4, by surveying population of chronic hepatitis C patients within an area of Southern Italy. HCV-RNA was detected in serum using two commercial hepatitis C RNA PCR assays (Amplicor Roche Diagnostic System, and AmpliSensor HCV, Nuclear Laser Medicine). PCR products were analyzed for genotyping using a reverse hybridization of the amplified product by a line probe assay (INNO LIPA, Innogenetics). In our Institution we have previously observed, in a period of 18 months (January 1997–May 1998) an initial increase of the genotype 4 which appeared in 3.3% of HCV patients versus a percentage of 1.3%, during 1996. Later data obtained from 702 HCV-RNA positive patients, collected from June 1998 until December 1999 indicated a 3.7% of genotype 4. This percentage increased until to 4.7% in the most recent period studied (January 2000–February 2001). Drug addiction, blood transfusion and sporadically acquired infections represented the most frequent risk factors. In the Calabria region, genotype 1b, the most prevalent isolate (53.3%) and genotype 2a/2c (26.2%) were associated with older age, confirming our previous study. Genotype 4 was the fifth most prevalent genotype observed, just after 3a and 1a subtypes. Spread of genotype 4 in Calabria region is mostly associated to older age when compared to genotype 3a and 1a, but is statistically associated with a younger group of patients when compared with genotype 1b. In conclusion we demonstrated a fourfold increased prevalence of HCV genotype 4 during the last 5 years.
ISSN:0732-8893
1879-0070
DOI:10.1016/S0732-8893(01)00350-9