GENOTYPES OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS ISOLATES FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes most cases of posttransfusion non-A, no n-B hepatitis. HCV isolates were classified by their genetic relatedne ss into at least six genotypes and a series of subtypes. Methods for t yping included amplification of certain genomic regions using universa l or type/subtype specific primers, restriction fragment length polymo rphism analysis, differential hybridization, nucleotide sequencing, an d serologic genotyping. HCV genotypes and their subtypes coexist in va rious geographic locations but show different prevalences. The identif ication of genotypes/subtypes is useful for studies on the molecular e pidemiology and pathogenesis of HCV infection.