Abstract

Background: Determination of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distributed in a particular area has an important role on public health throughout the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HCV genotypes in Azerbaijani patients. Patients and Methods: From March 2010 until March 2012, 235 Azerbaijani patients with established chronic hepatitis C, referred to Hospitals related to Iran University of Medical Sciences and Tehran Hepatitis Center, Clinical department of Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroeneterology and Liver Disease, were enrolled in this cross sectional study. About 5 mL of peripheral blood was collected from patients and after separation of plasma, viral RNA extracted. HCV-RNA were amplified by RT-nested PCR using primers from the 5'-UTR and genotyped by RFLP assay, and then HCV genotypes were confirmed using sequencing of cloned PCR products into pJET1.2/blunt cloning vector. Results: HCV genotyping of positive plasma samples demonstrated that predominant HCV subtype was noted for 1b (71.1) followed by subtype 3a (17.0), genotype 2 (6.8), 1a (1.7), and mixed infection (3.4). The mean +/- SD age of patients was 37.3 +/- 11.8 (range: 2-63) years. Out of 235 patients, 139 (59.1) were male. The frequency of HCV subtype 3a was higher in patients under 40 years old (3a: 18.1 vs. 15.0), and subtype 3a was higher in male patients (3a: 18.7 vs. 14.6). Conclusions: The current study shows that the predominant HCV genotype among Azerbaijani patients with established chronic hepatitis C is subtype 1b (71.1) followed by subtype 3a (17.0).