Frequency of Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Virus has not varied in Venezuela

1. Pediatric Specialist, Masterss Degree in Clinical Inmunology, Universidad Central de Venezuela (Central University of Venezuela). Clinical and Molecular Section, Intediag-HV, Caracas; PhD student, Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela. 2. Licensed in Bioanalysis, Masters Degree in Basic Immunology, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Molecular Section; Intediag-HV, Caracas, Venezuela. 3. Licensed in Bioanalysis, Masters Degree in Basic Immunology, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Molecular Section; Intediag-HV, Caracas, Venezuela. 4. Pharmacist, Masters Degree in Integrated Management, Universidad Central de Venezuela and Universidad Metropolitana (Metropolitan University), Caracas. General Director`s Office, Intediag-HV, Caracas, Venezuela. 5. Specialist in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Clinical Immunology, Universidad Central de Venezuela and Harvard University. Medical Director`s Office Intediag-HV, Caracas; Professor, Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Caracas, Venezuela. Email: [email protected] ........................................ Received: 07-03-09 Accepted: 12-08-09 Summary Changes in the distribution and frequency of genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) have been reported in some countries, including Venezuela. We analyze the frequency of HCV genotypes in our country and evaluate possible distribution changes at the national level. Eight hundred and nine serum samples from patients infected with HCV were investigated using PCRRFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction amplifi cation of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Samples came from Caracas and 11 Venezuelan states. We identifi ed genotype 1 in 527 patients (65.1%), while 34.4% of these patients showed genotype 2. Genotypes 3, 4 and 5 were extremely uncommon. Of 316 patients infected with genotype 1, 56% showed levels of HCV RNA of less than 600.000 IU/mL, while 44% showed levels higher than 600.000 IU/mL. We demonstrate that the frequency of HCV genotypes remains unaltered in Venezuela. Genotype 1b continues to predominate, accounting for nearly half of all high viral loads.