Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Ordu province

Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide and leads to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Genotype 1, the most common genotype worldwide, usually requires longer and more complex treatment regimens compared to other genotypes. HCV infection is closely associated with changes in liver enzyme levels, especially alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This study aims to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes in chronic HCV patients and to investigate the relationship between HCV genotype and serum ALT levels. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, the outcomes of patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease due to HCV at Ordu University Medical Faculty, Education and Research Hospital between May 2021 and October 2023 were analyzed. HCV genotyping was performed using the Bosphore HCV Genotyping Kit v5 (Anatolia Geneworks, Türkiye) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serum ALT levels were measured using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method (Cobas e 601, Roche, Germany). Results: A total of 219 HCV-RNA positive patients were included in the study. Of all patients, 125 (57.1%) were female and 94 (42.9%) were male. When genotype distribution was examined, it was seen that 200 patients (91.3%) had genotype 1b, 9 patients (4.1%) had genotype 1a, 7 patients (3.2%) had genotype 3, 2 patients (0.9%) had genotype 1, and 1 patient (0.5%) had genotype 4. A total of 9 patients had serum ALT levels above 40 IU/L. Conclusion: Genotype 1b remains the most frequently detected genotype among our patients, while the prevalence of Genotype 3 has changed over the years. No significant differences were found in serum ALT levels, mean age, and gender distribution between patients infected with Genotype 1 and other genotypes.