Korean J Gastroenterol.  2000 Apr;35(4):458-465.

Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes among Intravenous Drug Users

• Kim SS
• Park DK
• Park JJ
• Kim YK
• Kang DH
• Choi DJ
• Park HC
• Hwang YJ
• Kim JH

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes is different according to the geographic area, and intravenous drug users (IVDU) are quite susceptible to chronic hepatitis C. According to recent studies in Europe, IVDU was different from other risk groups in HCV genotype distribution. The aim of our study was to analyze the distribution of HCV-genotypes among IVDU in Korea.
METHODS
We studied 74 HCV-RNA-positive patients with chronic hepatitis C (male vs female: 2.7 vs 1; mean age: 40.8 years). HCV genotypes were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with genotype-specific primers according to Okamoto's method. The patients were classified into 3 groups (IVDU group, blood transfusion group, and unknown cause group) according to the transmission route. The genotype distribution of IVDU group was compared with those of others groups. RESULTS: For all patients examined, the genotype frequencies were as follows: genotype 1b, 59.5%; 2a, 33.8%; 1a, 1.4%; 2b, 1.4%; mixed genotype 1b+2a, 1.4%. Genotype 1b and 2a were the most prevalent (93.3%). Among IVDU, the genotype frequencies were as follows: genotype 1b, 59.5%; 2a, 33.3%; 1a, 0%; 2b, 0%; mixed genotype 1b+2a, 2.4%. The IVDU group showed similar pattern in the genotype frequencies as compared with other groups. However, the mean age of IVDU group was significantly younger than those of other risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among IVDU in Korea, genotype 1b and 2a were the most prevalent, and the distribution of HCV genotypes was not different from those of other causes.

Keyword

HCV Genotype; Intravenous drug users; Chronic Hepatitis C

MeSH Terms

Blood Transfusion
Drug Users*
Europe
Female
Genotype
Hepacivirus*
Hepatitis C*
Hepatitis C, Chronic
Hepatitis*
Humans
Korea