Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype in Iranian Multiply Transfused Patients with Thalassemia

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common transfusion-transmitted disease in multiply transfused patients worldwide. In this study, the aim was to investigate distribution of HCV genotypes in Iranian patients with thalassemia.

Study Design And Methods: Blood samples were received from 280 multiply transfused patients with thalassemia with chronic hepatitis C who were referred to us to start pegylated interferon-alpha plus ribavirin for duration of 48 weeks. HCV RNA viral load was detected using Amplicor test (Version 2, Roche Molecular Systems). Genotyping was performed by genotype-specific primers.

Results: HCV genotype distribution was 1 in 57%, 3 in 35%, 2 in 1%, and mixed in 4% (1 + 3 in 2.8%, 3 + 4 in 0.4%, mixed subtypes in 0.8%) cases. A total of 2.5% of isolates were nontypable. Genotype 1 was associated with higher rate of splenectomy and greater serum ferritin.

Conclusion: Genotype 1 is the most frequently detected HCV genotype in Iranian patients with thalassemia and might cause more need for splenectomy and more severe iron overloading. Higher HCV viral load could be regarded as another risk factor for greater iron overloading.