[Genotypes distribution of hepatitis C virus through multi-center, large sample studies among chronic hepatitis C patients in Chinese Han population].

Objective: To understand the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in China.

Methods: A national multi-center, large sample epidemiological survey was carried out and certified by an international third-party testing organization. Internationally accepted method for sequencing analysis of viral genotype was used.

Results: Patients were those suffered from the 4 major genotypes of chronic hepatitis C, including nine subtypes, which were dominated by genotype 1 (69.6%), with type 1b in particular (accounting for 68.38%). Among the rare gene-6, we saw more subtypes of 6a. In the south, central, and north areas, there was no significant difference seen between the south and the north areas in the distribution of the genotype 1. However, the rate of gene type 2a increased gradually from south to north. In terms of less common type of gene 3b and gene-6, they were seen mainly in the southern provinces.

Conclusion: In China, Patients with chronic hepatitis C had 4 HCV genotypes, with 9 subtypes. The rarely seen genotypes 3b and 6 were mainly distributed in the southern provinces.