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Hepatitis C genotypes in Libya : correlation with patients’ characteristics, level of viremia, and degree of liver fibrosis
Joint Authors
al-Zuki, Abd al-Nasir
al-Zuki, Islam
al-Barasi, Sabah
Burwaiss, Abd Allah
Jumah, Muhammad
Source
Issue
Vol. 32, Issue 5 (30 Sep. 2017), pp.409-416, 8 p.
Publisher
Publication Date
2017-09-30
Country of Publication
Oman
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
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.
American Psychological Association (APA)
al-Zuki, Abd al-Nasir& al-Zuki, Islam& al-Barasi, Sabah& Jumah, Muhammad& Burwaiss, Abd Allah. 2017. Hepatitis C genotypes in Libya : correlation with patients’ characteristics, level of viremia, and degree of liver fibrosis. Oman Medical Journal،Vol. 32, no. 5, pp.409-416.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-784740
Modern Language Association (MLA)
al-Zuki, Abd al-Nasir…[et al.]. Hepatitis C genotypes in Libya : correlation with patients’ characteristics, level of viremia, and degree of liver fibrosis. Oman Medical Journal Vol. 32, no. 5 (Sep. 2017), pp.409-416.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-784740
American Medical Association (AMA)
al-Zuki, Abd al-Nasir& al-Zuki, Islam& al-Barasi, Sabah& Jumah, Muhammad& Burwaiss, Abd Allah. Hepatitis C genotypes in Libya : correlation with patients’ characteristics, level of viremia, and degree of liver fibrosis. Oman Medical Journal. 2017. Vol. 32, no. 5, pp.409-416.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-784740
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references : p. 415-416
Record ID
BIM-784740