Hepatitis C virus genotypes in the liver and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in a central area of Italy (Umbria); to analyze the correspondence of the genotypes detected in serum and liver samples; to study the relationship between HCV genotypes and severity of liver disease; to test whether co-infection with more than one HCV subtype could be influenced by the source of infection. Methods Genotyping by polymerase chain reaction with core-specific primers (Okamoto method) was performed in the serum and liver from 48 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed chronic C hepatitis. Results HCV genotype 1b was the prevalent strain and was not associated with more severe histologic damage. Data show a very good correspondence between genotypes identified in serum and liver specimens (91%). Mixed infections (with subtypes 1b and 2a) correlated significantly with intravenous drug abuse ( p = 0.001). Conclusion We confirmed that subtype 1b is prevalent in central Italy. Co-infection with more than one subtype is not rare in intravenous drug abusers.