Assessment of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Distribution and Viral Load in FATA, Pakistan
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2025
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Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and regularly progresses towards liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Effective treatment and public health strategies depend on an accurate understanding of local viral epidemiology, particularly genotypic distribution and viral load. This study aimed to characterize these factors in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan, a region with a significant HCV burden but limited surveillance data.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included a total of 345 HCV-positive serum samples confirmed by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) collected between October 2016 and April 2017 at the District Headquarter Hospital in Khyber, Mohmand, Orakzai, and Kurram Agency. Viral load was quantified using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and genotyping was performed on RNA-positive samples using a molecular genotype-specific assay.
Results: Of the 345 samples, 120 (34.8%) had a detectable viral load (≥10⁴ copies/mL). Genotyping was successful in 117 of these viremic samples. Genotype 3a was the most prevalent (45%, 54/120), followed by a notable prevalence of mixed and untypable genotypes. A statistically significant association was found between genotype 3a and both geographic area and higher viral load. The distribution also varied with demographic factors such as gender and age.
Conclusions: This study confirms the predominance of HCV genotype 3a in the FATA region and reveals a complex genotypic landscape including mixed infections. These findings underscore the critical need for genotype-specific treatment protocols and enhanced diagnostic capabilities to guide effective therapy. Public health interventions must prioritize improving awareness and healthcare infrastructure to combat HCV.
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| Authors | Fazal Rahim, Salim Ullah, Imtiaz Ali, Abdul Tawab, Asifullah Khan, Farman Ullah, Sara Sami |
| Journal | Yemen Journal of Medicine |
| Year | 2025 |
| DOI |
10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0187
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| URL | |
| Keywords | Keywords not found |
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