DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2017.v05i01.002

Pages: 5-10

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is increasing worldwide. Proposed study includes 24 clinical samples, processed for HCV RNA viral load and HCV genotyping. HCV RNA viral load ranges in between 1.00×101 IU/ml to > 1.00×108 IU/ml and the cases with high viral load were further processed for the genotyping. Out of 24 specimens characterized genotype 3a was prevalent in 72.72% (8/24) cases and HCV genotype 1b was in 27.27% (3/24) cases followed by HCV genotype 4a, which was in 27.27% (3/24) cases. In 13 cases target was not detected due to low viral load. 8 cases were for HCV genotype 3a of which 5 were males & 3 females, followed by HCV genotype 1b (3 males) & 4a (3 females). The genotype 3a was found in 8 (72.72%) patients. Genotype 1b was seen in 3 (27.27%) patients. Genotype 4a was seen in 3 (27.27%) patients. Genotype 2a was seen in only 1 (9.09%) patient. From the current study genotype 3a was most prevalent and can be further studied. The outcome of HCV genotyping is of almost clinical value as there are various regimens available to treat different types of HCV genotypes.