Genetic variability of the core protein in hepatitis C virus genotype 4 in Saudi Arabian patients and its implication on pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) shows a remarkable genetic diversity, contributing to its high persistence and varied susceptibilities to antiviral treatment. Previous studies have reported that the substitution of amino acids in the HCV subgenotype 1b core protein in infected patients is associated with a poor response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) combined therapy.