Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Assessment of hepatitis C virus RNA and genotype from 6807 patients with chronic hepatitis C in the United States.
J Viral Hepat. 2000 May;7(3):196-202. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/20307922 Blatt LM; Mutchnick MG; Tong MJ; Klion FM; Lebovics E; Freilich B; Bach N; Smith C; Herrera J; Tobias H; Conrad A; Schmid P; McHutchison JG; National Genetics Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA status and HCV genotype have become important tools in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy in chronic HCV infection. To establish a database with respect to HCV genotype and serum HCV RNA concentrations in chronic hepatitis C patients in the United States, we analysed 6807 chronic hepatitis C patients who had HCV RNA and HCV genotype tests conducted at a central laboratory. The HCV RNA concentration cut-off for the lower 25th percentile of this population (low titre) was 0.9 x 106 copies ml-1. The median HCV RNA concentration was 3.5 x 106 copies ml-1 and the cut-off for the upper 25th percentile (high titre) was 5 x 106 copies ml-1. Male patients had a median HCV RNA concentration of 3.9 x 106 copies ml-1, which was significantly higher than the median HCV RNA level for females (2.75 x 106 copies ml-1; P < 0.001). HCV genotype 1 was detected in 73% of patients; genotype 2 in 14%; genotype 3 in 8%; mixed genotype in 4%; and genotypes 4, 5 and 6 with a frequency of < 1%. Patients from the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest had significantly (P < 0.001) more infections with genotype 1 than patients from the Western and Southern regions. African-American patients were more likely to be infected with genotype 1 when compared with Caucasian, Hispanic or Asian Pacific Islanders (P < 0.001). Patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and mixed HCV genotypes had significantly higher serum HCV RNA concentrations when compared with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).
Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Caucasoid Race Female *Genotype Hepatitis C-Like Viruses/*GENETICS/PATHOGENICITY Hepatitis C, Chronic/BLOOD/ETHNOLOGY/*VIROLOGY Human Male Negroid Race RNA, Viral/BLOOD Support, Non-U.S. Gov't United States Viral Load 001030
A00A1125
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from
Elton John AIDS Foundation,
the National Library of Medicine,
and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
