The Genotype of Hepatitis C Distribution in Van and Evaluation of the predicted Risks For Transmission

INTRODUCTION: With 7 primary genotypes and more than 100 subgroups, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits considerable genetic variability. Due to changes in genotype rates brought on by population migrations, epidemiology data must be updated regularly. This article's aims are to present HCV genotype data, investigate the link between age and gender, and establish the genotype distribution in relation to risk variables. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2021, 95 HCV patients were included in this retrospective, single-center investigation. Anti HCV, HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction results (PCR) and HCV genotype status of the patients were recorded. Abbott Real Time HCV Genotype II genotyping kit was used for HCV genotyping of patients with positive HCV RNA PCR test. RESULTS: 56 (59%) male and 39 (41%) female patients were included in the study. When both genders were examined, it was discovered that genotype 1b (65.3%) was the most common genotype. The least frequent genotypes among the patients were genotype 2 (2.1%) and genotype 4 (2.1%). Regarding HCV genotype type and gender, no statistically meaningful variation was found. However, the evaluation made in terms of genotype type and age showed a statistically significant difference (p 0.001). The most common possible transmission route of the patients was the presence of surgical operation (45.3%), and genotype 1b was the most common in this group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Determination of HCV genotypes and transmission routes and regular reporting of regional data will contribute to epidemiological data. This will guide the development of health policies for HCV and the elimination of HCV.