[Distribution of genotypes of hepatitis C in the city of Córdoba, Argentina].

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of Hepatitis C virus genotype (HCV) present in a patient has an epidemiological interest. In addition, it has an important prognostic value that guides the duration and success of treatment. AIMS: To analyze the distribution of genotypes in HCV-positive patients and linking them with the viral load before and after treatment, evaluating sustained viral response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the results of genotyping and HCV viral load of 71 patients during the period January 2001 to May 2009. The genotypes were determined by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and the viral load by NASBA HVC quantitative. Statistical analysis was performed using the Infostat program. RESULTS: 59% of patients were women. The frequency of genotypes was: 39% type 1, 58% type 2 and 3% type 3. We do not find a cutoff value of viral load to identify the different genotypes, although patients with genotype 1 had a higher number of viral copies than those of genotype 2 (p <0.0001). After treatment, 95% of patients with genotype 2 had a sustained viral response versus 67% of patients with genotype 1. CONCLUSIONS: The genotype 2 was the most prevalent in our population. It also confirmed the impact of knowledge of HCV genotype on sustained viral response, which was related related surgical interventions to infection with HCV type 2.