Original article
English
Bousifi N 1, Baghdadi I 1, Izzabi T 2
1-Virology Clinic, Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. 2-Community Medicine Department, Al-zawia University, Alzawia, Libya.
Libyan J Infect Dis. 2008;2(2):39-46
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of genotypes among hepatitis C infected patients attending the virology clinic at Central Hospital of Tripoli and its relation to risk factors.
Patients and methods: A total of 552 newly diagnosed patients were registered between June 2002 and July 2006 (who had genotype done), the data gathered include patients demographic and risk factors, baseline ALT and baseline quantitative PCR.
Results: The mean age 40.5 years, males were 385 (70%). Normal ALT at diagnosis was recorded in 53% of patients, baseline HCV RNA was > 500.000 IU/ml in 40% of patients. Genotype 1 was found in 181/552 (32.8%) patients of them 1a (8.1%), 1b (12.5%), and 1 non classified (12%). Genotype 2, Genotype 3a, and Genotype 4 were found in (17.4%), (21%), (28.8%) of patients respectively. Risk factors were known in 490(88.8%) patients, history of blood transfusion was reported in 128 (26.1%) patients, intravenous drug (IVD) abuse in 105 (21.4%) patients. 102 (20.8%) patients gave history of surgical intervention and history
of dental procedure in absence of other risk exposures was found in 88 (18%) patients. Sexual contact with HCV infected patient was reported in 15 (3.1%) patients. Genotype 3a was frequently associated with history of IVDU (55%) followed by genotype 1 (33% mainly genotype 1a). History of blood transfusion associated with genotype 4 (39%) followed by genotype 1 (34%).
Conclusion: Genotype 1 was the most prevalent HCV-genotype, followed by genotype 4, among patients attending the Virology Clinic of Tripoli Central Hospital. HCV genotype 3a might be recently introduced by IVD abusers. Our results suggest the need for strict prevention control measures in hospitals and dental clinics to minimize the nosocomial risk exposure to HCV.
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus; Genotype; Epidemiology; Risk factors; Intravenous drug abuse.
Link/DOI: http://www.nidcc-jid.org.ly/pdf/v2no2/original_article_hepatitis_cgenotypes_its_relation.pdf