Abstracts of the 2023 Annual Meeting of the ALEH
More infoHepatitis C virus (HCV) consists of 7 genotypes and multiple subtypes. With the introduction of pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the utility of genotype as a prognostic factor for treatment tends to be less relevant. However, it is useful for those patients who require a second DAAs regimen. In Argentina, there are few reports on the prevalence of HCV genotypes, which indicate a varied and changing distribution in different cities. This study aimed to determine the frequency of HCV genotypes in different cities of Argentina in the last ten years.
Materials and MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional study of HCV genotypes performed by sequencing the 5′ untranslated region of the viral genome in 1.178 samples assayed in the periods 2013-2017 and 2018-2023, taken in clinical analysis laboratories in different cities of Argentina: Rosario (RO, n=465), Villa María (VM, n=173), Mar del Plata (MDQ, N=111), Córdoba (COR, n=384) and Ramos Mejía (RM, n=45). Frequencies between periods were compared using Fisher's test.
ResultsThe frequencies of each genotype are presented in the Table. There is a variation among cities that is maintained in both periods, with the exception of MDQ. An increase in the frequency of G3 is observed in the 2018-2023 period, although it was not statistically significant.
ConclusionsThe present study updates the knowledge on the distribution of HCV genotypes in Argentina, showing a variation among cities. The frequency of G3a, at present the most difficult genotype to treat, could be rising. Surveillance studies with a larger number of samples would be necessary to confirm this hypothesis. VM frequencies confirm the existence of foci with high prevalence of certain genotypes in some cities, as previously reported. It is necessary to continue monitoring the circulation of HCV genotypes even after DAAs usage and their consequent impact on public health.
