Hepatitis C Virus Genomic Surveillance among Haemophiliacs

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a predominant cause of liver disease among haemophiliacs. Evidence on the impact of HCV infection and infecting viral genotypes among haemophiliacs in Sri Lanka is lacking in the current context. Evidence of the infecting viral genotype may guide tailor-made treatment. Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the genotype distribution, seroprevalence, and associated factors of HCV infection among haemophiliacs in the Western Province, the most populous area of Sri Lanka. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized plasma samples of 133 haemophiliacs followed up at three major tertiary-care hospitals and a children’s hospital in the Western Province, from December 2017 to April 2018. All samples were tested for HCV antigens and antibodies, followed by HCV RNA and genotyping on sero-positive samples, with commercially validated, in-house verified diagnostics. Data on demographics and disease characteristics were obtained through interviews and clinical records. Results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: HCV sero-positivity was detected among 3.8%(5/133). Of these, HCV RNA was detected in 2(40%) patients, with infecting genotypes being 1 and 3. None of the associated factors analyzed showed a statistical significance (p < 0.05) with HCV sero-positivity. Conclusion: A comparatively lower HCV seroprevalence reinforces the effectiveness of donor screening for HCV in Sri Lanka. However, a higher seroprevalence compared to the general population highlights the importance of routine HCV screening in haemophiliacs. Identification of genotype 3 positive patients would be informative in deciding treatment protocols and the development of specific national treatment strategies for the country.