| Popis: |
Analysis of the HCV genome has demonstrated extremely high heterogeneity in both structural and nonstructural coding regions and there are at least six different genotypes that have generally been divided into several subtypes. Of the 6 different Hepatitis genotypes, genotypes 1-3 is common worldwide, type 1a and 1b are the most common, accounting for about 60% of global infections. They predominate in Northern Europe, Southern and Eastern Europe, North America, and Japan respectively. Type 2 is less frequently represented than type 1. Type 3 is endemic in south-east Asia and is variably distributed in different countries. The determination of the infecting genotype is important for the prediction of response to antiviral treatment; genotype 1 is generally associated with a poor response to interferon alone, unlike genotypes 2 and 3 which are associated with better responses. A total of 238 plasma samples were received from patients attending gastroenterology department across India for treatment from March 2008 – Aug 2010. The samples were analyzed for viral load by real time PCR by Taqman principle. HCV genotyping was carried out on the samples whose viral load was more than 300IU/ml (limit of detection as per the kit). Qiagen RNA columns were used for RNA extraction, followed by reverse transcription (Promega) and genotyping was performed by conventional PCR. Out of 238 samples, 117 were positive for 3a, 44 samples were load negative, 43 samples were non- typable due to less viral load i.e. less than 1000 IU/ml. 26 were type 1a, 107 were 3a, and 11 were 2a. |
