Molecular evolution, virology and spatial distribution of HCV genotypes in Pakistan: A meta-analysis

Arslan Habib; Nadiya Habib; Khalid Mahmood Anjum; Riffat Iqbal; Zeeshan Ashraf; Muhammad Usman Taj; Muhammad Asim; Kanwal Javid; Faezeh Idoon; Saeid Dashti; Cassio Rocha Medeiros; Ana Pavla Almeida Diniz Gurgel; Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho

doi:10.1016/j.imj.2023.11.007

Molecular evolution, virology and spatial distribution of HCV genotypes in Pakistan: A meta-analysis

Infect Med (Beijing). 2023 Nov 18;2(4):324-333. doi: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.11.007. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
² Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan.
³ Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
⁴ Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
⁵ Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
⁶ Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal 51600, Pakistan.
⁷ Department of Geography, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
⁸ Department of Surgical Technology, Ferdows School of Allied Medicine and Public Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 97178, Iran.
⁹ Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 97178, Iran.
¹⁰ CECAPE College, Juazeiro do Norte 63024-015, Brazil.
¹¹ Department of Engineering and Environment, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil.
¹² Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato 63105-000, Brazil.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C, caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), is the second most common form of viral hepatitis. The geographical distribution of HCV genotypes can be quite complex, making it challenging to ascertain the most prevalent genotype in a specific area.

Methods: To address this, a review was conducted to determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes across various provinces and as a whole in Pakistan. The scientific literature regarding the prevalence, distribution, genotyping, and epidemiology of HCV was gathered from published articles spanning the years 1996-2020.

Results: Genotype 1 accounted for 5.1% of the patients, with its predominant subtype being 1a at 4.38%. The frequencies of its other subtypes, 1b and 1c, were observed to be 1.0% and 0.31% respectively. Genotype 2 had a frequency of 2.66%, with the most widely distributed subtype being 2a at 2.11% of the patients. Its other subtypes, 2b and 2c, had frequencies of 0.17% and 0.36% respectively. The most prevalent genotype among all isolates was 3 (65.35%), with the most frequent subtype being 3a (55.15%), followed by 3b (7.18%). The prevalence of genotypes 4, 5, and 6 were scarce in Pakistan, with frequencies of 0.97%, 0.08%, and 0.32% respectively. The prevalence of untypeable and mixed genotypes was 21.34% and 3.53% respectively. Estimating genotypes proves to be a productive method in assisting with the duration and selection of antiviral treatment. Different HCV genotypes can exhibit variations in their response to specific antiviral treatments. Different genotypes may have distinct natural histories, including variations in disease progression and severity. Some genotypes may lead to more rapid liver damage, while others progress more slowly.

Conclusions: This information can guide screening and testing strategies, helping to identify individuals at higher risk of developing severe complications. Studying the distribution of HCV genotypes in a population can provide valuable insights into the transmission dynamics of the virus.

Keywords: Genotypes; HCV; Molecular evolution; Pakistan; Spatial distribution.