Open AccessDetection, quantification and genotype distribution of HCV patients in Lahore, Pakistan by real-time PCR
Author(s) -
Muhammad Umer Khan,
Haleema Sadia,
Asma Irshad,
Atif Amin Baig,
Sana Ashiq,
Beenish Zahid,
Rozeena Sheikh,
Sadia Roshan,
Amjad Ali,
Shazia Shamas,
Munir Ahmed Bhinder,
Rais Ahmad
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
african health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.391
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1729-0503
pISSN - 1680-6905
DOI - 10.4314/ahs.v20i3.16
Subject(s) - medicine , genotype , hepatitis c virus , hepatocellular carcinoma , cirrhosis , population , transmission (telecommunications) , hepatitis c , nested polymerase chain reaction , viral load , risk factor , virology , gastroenterology , polymerase chain reaction , virus , environmental health , biology , biochemistry , gene , electrical engineering , engineering
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered as “Viral Time Bomb” suggested by the World Health Organization and if it is not treated timely, it will lead towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Objective: The purpose of the present research is to study possible risk factors, frequent genotypes of HCV and its asso- ciation with different age groups.
Methods: Suspected blood samples from HCV patients were collected from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 1000 HCV suspected samples, 920 samples were found HCV positive detected by Anti-HCV ELISA, CobasR. kit. The quantification of HCV load was determined by HCV quantification kit and LINEAR ARRAY KIT (Roche) was used for genotype determination by Real-Time PCR (ABI). Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel.
Results: Out of 920 subjects, 77 subjects (8.4%) were false positive and they were not detected by nested PCR. Three PCR positive samples were untypeable. Genotype 3 was predominant in Lahore which was 83.5%, whereas type 1 and 2 were 5.1% and 0.7% respectively. There were also mixed genotypes detected, 1 and 3 were 0.4%, 2 and 3 were 1.41% and 3 and 4 were 0.2% only. Male were more infected of HCV in the age 40years.
Conclusion: The major risk factor for HCV transmission is by use of unsterilized razors/blades. It is necessary to spread awareness among the general population of Pakistan about HCV transmission risk factors. Regular physical examination at least once a year is recommended, so that early detection of HCV could be done.
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus; hepatocellular carcinoma; quantification; genotype; real-time PCR.