Hepatitis C: Types, treatments, and more

arrive 2014 articles Indicates that there are 7 known HCV genotypes and 67 subtypes.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains why a hepatitis C genotype is a type or strain of the hepatitis C virus. The most common HCV genotypes in the United States include:

• Genotype 1
• Genotype 2
• Genotype 3

This is further divided into 1a and 1b, and 2a, 2b and 2c.Of these subtypes, 1a, 1b, 2, and 3 are most common In the U.S.

Learn all about hepatitis C.

How hepatitis C affects people

Most people with hepatitis C are asymptomatic (have no symptoms). However, people with acute hepatitis C may develop symptoms within 1-3 months. Symptoms may include:

Chronic hepatitis C may cause symptoms only when complications occur, including:

Learn how hepatitis C affects people in its early stages.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately:

• 75% of people have genotype 1 (subtype 1a or 1b)
• 20-25% of people have genotype 2 or 3
• A few people have genotype 4, 5 or 6

According to the Treatment Action Group, all HCV genotypes cause the same degree of liver damage. However, people with genotype 1 (especially subtype 1b) are at greater risk of developing cirrhosis than people with other genotypes. Genotypes 1b and 3 may increase a person’s risk of liver cancer.

Most people infected with HCV tend to have a single genotype rather than multiple genotypes.

However, people traveling between regions where other HCV genotypes are more common may be exposed to different HCV genotypes, resulting in mixed infections.

According to an article in The Lancet, Genotype 4 More common in sub-Saharan Africa, while Genotype 1 More popular in Central and Western Europe, and Subtypes 1a and 1b Most common in the United States.

this CDC It is suggested that if risk behaviors for HCV infection persist, superinfection with more than one HCV genotype may occur. However, they concluded that because HCV direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are available, superinfection does not appear to complicate treatment.

People should be screened, tested and treated according to their HCV genotype.

Learn more about hepatitis C treatment.

Hepatitis C test A Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-HCV test is required. This test uses a blood sample to test for HCV antibodies. When screening for HCV, people may have several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Once a medical professional diagnoses someone with hepatitis C virus, doctors will perform further tests to assess genotype and viral load levels. Viral load level refers to the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood.

Hepatitis C virus genotype different Due to its specific ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequence or genetic makeup. Experts perform genotype testing by looking for specific or slight variations in the RNA sequence.

Learn more about hepatitis C testing.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a person’s genotype determines their treatment plan. This includes recommendations regarding specific antiviral medications and duration of treatment.

World Health Organization (WHO) Pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are recommended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adults, adolescents, and children. DAA can cure most HCV patients, and pangenotypic means it can treat all genotypes. Examples of pan-genotypic DAA treatments include:

• Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir (Epclusa)
• Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Vosevi
• Gcaprevir/Pibrentasvir (Mayvret)

These medications usually come in the form of pills. The duration of treatment usually lasts 12-24 weeks, depending on whether the patient has cirrhosis.

Doctors sometimes prescribe a drug called ribavirin along with antiviral medications. Doctors would not prescribe ribavirin to pregnant women or their partners because it can cause congenital malformations or miscarriage.

To assess treatment response, experts assessed sustained virological response (SVR). The goal of treatment is to achieve SVR, where the virus is undetectable in the blood for 12 weeks or more.

Learn more about hepatitis C cure rates.

arrive Learning in 2020 Research shows that different hepatitis C genotypes respond differently to treatment. The treatment response of genotypes 2 and 3 is generally less successful than that of genotypes 1 and 2.

Some challenges may come with genotype 3, which is often associated with insulin resistance and cancer risk. Treatment of genotype 3 is especially difficult for people with:

• Cirrhosis
• Decompensated liver disease, a life-threatening disease
• Have tried treatment before

People with genotypes 2 and 3 may need longer treatment.

In addition to pangenotypic DAA regimens, certain combinations of antiviral drugs may work well or even better, depending on the individual’s genotype. For example, Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) works well for genotypes 1 or 4.

Doctors will develop treatment plans based on individual circumstances, taking into account other factors, including disease progression, potential for treatment resistance and side effects.

Learn more about how hepatitis genotype affects treatment.

There are different genotypes of hepatitis C, with genotypes 1, 2, and 3 being the most common.

All genotypes caused the same degree of liver damage. However, people with genotype 1 (especially subtype 1b) are at greater risk of developing cirrhosis than people with other genotypes. Doctors assess a person’s genotype with a blood test to check their DNA sequence and the viral load in their blood.

The World Health Organization recommends the use of all-genotype direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C, regardless of genotype.

Generally, people only have one genotype, but if someone travels between areas where different genotypes are more common, they may be exposed to multiple HCV genotypes, leading to mixed infections. However, this is unlikely to affect a person’s treatment.