Hepatitis C virus genotypes in the southeast region of Turkey

Objective: Six major HCV genotypes (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6) have been shown worldwide so far. In this study we determined the genotypes of HCV RNA in anti-HCV and HCV RNA positive patients. Material and Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. Eight patients' genotypes could not be determined, because Of defect of transporting, storing or PCR analysis. Results: All of the patients had 3 type genotypes; genotype I a, 1b and 3a. Five patients showed genotype la (22.7%) pattern, 16 patients showed genotype 1b (72.8%) pattern and 1 patient showed genotype 3a (4.5%) pattern. Conclusion: Genotype 1b was found to be dominant in the southeast region of Turkey. Our results were similar with others performed in this area. In addition, dominant HCV genotype was 1b; however, the other genotypes have been increasingly determined.