Analysis of HCV genotype distribution and natural drug resistance mutation in Huaibei city

ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of HCV genotypes and natural resistance mutation of type 1b of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Huaibei city, so as to provide evidence for clinical antiviral treatment and infection prevention and control of HCV.

MethodsThe HCV-RNA positive serum of patients with HCV infectionwithout any direct antiviral agent (DAAs) treatment who were treated in Huaibei Miners General Hospital from 2019 to 2022 were selected.The samples were extracted and reverse transcribed, nested PCR was used to amplify the gene sequences of the NS5B, NS5A and NS3/4A regions.The electrophoresis-positive products were sent to company for sequencing.Sequence alignment analysis was performed using Mega11.0 software.

ResultsThe HCV 1b subtype (68.63%) was the main subtype, followed by type 2a (29.41%), and 2 cases of type 3a (1.96%) was detected.The distribution of HCV subtypes was not significantly correlated with gender and age (P>0.05), type 1b was more common in the age group ≥ 55 years old.The main types of RASs were: C316N (100.00%) in NS5B region; Q54H (40.47%) and Y93H (19.05%) in NS5A region; Q86P (30.88%), I71V+Q86P (19.12%), V170I+Q86P (14.71%) and T72I/A+Q86P (13.24%) in NS3/4A region.The RASs with higher mutation frequency were: C316N (100.00%), Q54H (60.00%), Q86P (53.78%), Y93H (33.33%), I71V/S and (15.97%).

ConclusionsHCV type 1b is the main epidemic genotype in Huaibei city, followed by 2a.Type 3a is detected for the first time.NS3/4A region is the main type of natural drug resistance mutation of type 1b, followed by NS5A, and NS5B was single.It is suggested that genotypes and RASs tests should be performed in HCV infected patients before DAAs.