The Correlation between HCV Genotypes and Liver Damage in HCV Patients

Background and purpose: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), one major factor causing chronic liver disease, has been classified into six major genotypes based on the variation in the genome sequencing. Various genotypes of this virus are associated with the intensity of liver tissue changes in patients with hepatitis C. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the HCV genotypes and liver damages. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 86 HCV positive patients referring to Razi University Hospital in Qaemshahr from 2007 to 2010. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was employed in order to determine the genotypes of HCV. Moreover, histological activity index of the biopsy (Knodell score) was calculated through staining and the amount of ALT and AST Sera were measured. Results: Among the samples taken from the patients under study, 3a genotype was seen in 58.2% and 1a/b genotype existed in 41.8 % of them. The mean serum levels of AST and ALT were 89.5 ± 60.8 and 103.7 ± 79.4 IU/lit, respectively. The histological activity index in 13.1 % was at low level, in 41 % at moderate level, and in 45.9 % at high level. No significant difference was observed in the mean scores o