Hepatitis C virus genotypes among multiply transfused hemoglobinopathy patients from Northern Iraq

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Owing to the scarcity of data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Iraq and due to their epidemiological as well as therapy implications, this study was initiated aiming at determining these genotypes in Northern Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 HCV antibody positive multi transfused patients with hemoglobinopathies, who had detectable HCV ribonucleic acid, were recruited for genotyping using genotype-specific nested polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The most frequent genotype detected was genotype 4 (52.9%) followed by 3a (17.1%), 1b (12.9%) and 1a (1.4%), while mixed genotypes (4 with either 3a or 1b) were detected in 7.1%. CONCLUSION: The predominance of genotype 4 is similar to other studies from surrounding Eastern Mediterranean Arab countries and to the only earlier study from central Iraq, however the significant high proportion of 3a and scarcity of 1a, are in contrast to the latter study and may be explainable by the differing population interactions in this part of Iraq. This study complements previous studies from Eastern Mediterranean region and demonstrates relative heterogeneity of HCV genotype distribution within Iraq and should trigger further studies in other parts of the country.