Genotypic Distribution and Epidemiological Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus in the Epirus Region of Northwestern Greece (2014–2024)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study investigates the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes among 233 genotyped patients from the Epirus region of Northwestern Greece from 2014 to 2024. METHODS: Genotypes were detected by molecular diagnostic assays, and their association with demographic parameters and viral load was analyzed. RESULTS: The most prevalent subtype was 3a (50.2%), especially among younger and male patients, followed by subtypes 1b and 1a. A statistically significant association was found between genotype and both age and sex, while genotype distribution did not significantly differ by national origin. Furthermore, subtype 6c-I was found only in a non-native case, suggesting a possible introduction of this rare strain. Viral load showed no significant difference by sex, genotype, or age group. A notable decline in HCV cases was documented during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the impact of the public health crisis on HCV diagnosis. Despite the decreasing need for genotyping in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era, our findings support the continued molecular surveillance of circulating HCV strains. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to longitudinally assess HCV genotype dynamics over a full decade (2014-2024) in the Epirus region of Northwestern Greece, capturing trends during the COVID-19 era and documenting the emergence of rare genotypes. It contributes to the evolving knowledge of HCV epidemiology in Southeastern Europe.