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Types of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus with a number of different genetic varieties (called genotypes) that are further divided into a number of subtypes. All types of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause the same disease, but they differ in how they respond to antiviral treatment.

  1. Geography

    • The different genotypes of HCV are found in different places around the world. Genotype 1 (1A and 1B) causes 75 percent of cases of HCV infection in the United States, with genotypes 2 and 3 being responsible for most of the rest of cases, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC).

    Identification

    • A blood test can determine which genotype of HCV an individual has contracted. This is done in addition to antibody and RNA tests run to confirm the presence of an active HCV infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Effects

    • Genotyping (determining genotype) influences treatment decisions. People with genotype 1 of HCV must be treated with antiviral drugs for twice as long (48 weeks) than people with other types of HCV (24 weeks), according to the CDC.

    Considerations

    • People with genotype 1 are less likely to respond to treatment with interferon, one of the antivirals used to treat HCV. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there is less than a 50 percent chance of clearing HCV 1 with antiviral treatment.

    Warning

    • People who do not respond to antiviral treatment may experience further live damage, but the disease does not always advance to severe stages.

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