Distribution pattern of hepatitis C virus genotypes and correlation with viral load and risk factors in chronic positive patients.

Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes in chronic hepatitis patients in the Campania region of southern Italy and estimate their association with risk factors and viral load.

Materials And Methods: 404 consecutive HCV ribonucleic acid-positive patients were included in the study.