Search

Objective This study aimed to explore the most up-to-date distribution of hepatitis C virus ( HCV) genotypes in China, especially the association between HCV genotypes and patients' characteristics and clinical parameters. Methods Sera from 483 HCV antibody-positive patients were genotyped using a HCV genotyping chip assay. The distribution of HCV genotypes, clinical parameters, modes of transmission and duration of infection were determined and the relationships among these parameters were analyzed. Results A total of 424 patients were successfully genotyped. HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 6 were found with a constituent ratio of 72.1%, 12.3%, 10.6% and 5.0%, respectively, in which subtypes 1b (69.1%), 2a (11.6%) and 3a (7.5%) were prevalent. The mean age of patients with genotype 1 and 2 was significantly elder than those with genotype 3 and 6 ( P < 0.05). The distribution of HCV genotypes in relation to the mode of HCV transmission was remarkable ( P < 0.001). Transfusion of blood and blood products was the main mode of transmission. Most genotype 1 infection (53.1%) was found in the group with a duration of HCV infection of 10-20 years. Genotype 1b was independently associated with age ( P = 0.001) and mode of HCV transmission ( P = 0.007). Conclusions The main HCV subtype was genotype 1b in Chinese patients. The prevalence of HCV genotypes was correlated with age and the mode of HCV transmission. Genotype 3a and 6 may become an increasing threat in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]