Hepatitis C Genotypes in Libya Correlation with Patients' Characteristics, Level of Viremia and Degree of Liver Fibrosis
Objectives: Our study sought to determine the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV)- genotypes among patients attending two tertiary care hospitals in Benghazi and Tripoli, Libya, and correlate this with patient’s characteristics, viral load, and degree of fibrosis. Methods: We conducted a retrosp...
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| Published in: | Oman medical journal Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 409 - 416 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Muscat - Oman
Oman Medical Specialty Board
01-09-2017
OMJ |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Objectives: Our study sought to determine the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-
genotypes among patients attending two tertiary care hospitals in Benghazi and
Tripoli, Libya, and correlate this with patient’s characteristics, viral load, and degree
of fibrosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 286 HCV-RNA positive
Libyan patients referred from different health care facilities in east and west Libya for
specific HCV treatment. HCV genotyping was carried out by gene amplification. Liver
histology was graded by Metavir score according to the stage of fibrosis. Results: HCV
genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 were found in 24.1%, 10.8%, 3.4%, and 61.5% of the patients,
respectively. Genotype 4 was detected more frequently in patients from east Libya
(Benghazi) compared to west Libya (Tripoli) (75.9% vs. 41.6%, p = 0.245). Genotype 1
was more frequent in patients from west Libya compared to east Libya (34.1% vs. 16.8%,
p = 0.657). There was a significant correlation between HCV genotype distribution
and viral load. Patients with genotype 4 exhibited a higher degree of liver fibrosis
(p < 0.001). Conclusions: HCV genotype 4 is the predominant genotype in Libya
followed by genotype 1. However, as we go from the east to the west of the country,
genotype 1 increases. Genotype 4 was associated with higher level of viremia and higher
stage of liver fibrosis. It is important to note that both genotypes 1 and 4 are associated
with a poor response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. The
findings emphasize the need to develop improved strategies in Libya for the successful
treatment of HCV infection with novel newly available antiviral drugs. |
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| Bibliography: | OMJ.jpg Oman Medical Journal, Vol. 32, No. 5, Sep 2017: 409-416 ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
| ISSN: | 1999-768X 2070-5204 |
| DOI: | 10.5001/omj.2017.77 |