Prevalence and characteristics of genotype 2 subtypes in France

Genotype 2 infects about 10% to 15% of European patients chronically infect ed by HCV. A good response to interferon has been associated with this geno type. However, recently, it has been shown that a great heterogeneity exist s among genotype 2 subtypes. The aim of the study was to test the possibility of 5' mistyping, in patien ts samples which were previously genotyped as 2a or 2b using first generati on line probe assay (LiPA). Innogenetics combined a 5' -UTR/core LiPA with a nested PCR system. We analysed the preliminary results obtained with this new research assay, with special reference to date and mode of transmissio n, liver histology and response to interferon.