|  | Conditions Treatments | Hepatitis

Definition of Hepatitis C Genotypes

Hepatitis C is a virus that can be divided into subgroups. This means that it is not a single virus causing the disease but rather a group of viruses This group of HCV (hepatitis C viruses) is divided into genotypes to better understand their effect on humans.

  1. Genotype

    • The genotype is defined as the arrangement of the genetic material within the virus. The arrangement is what determines the characteristics of the virus and its unique reactions to medication for treatments.

    Main Groups

    • There are six main groups for HCV genotype, with genotype 1 being the most prominent in the United States. The genotype is essential in understanding what sort of characteristics the virus has and how the virus is to be treated.

    Numerical Division

    • HCV is divided into genotypes based on numbers, the most common of which are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Each type is prominent in different regions of the world and has a different effect on the human body.

    Genotype 7

    • A generally new genotype is No. 7, identified as being found mainly in patients of central Africa. However, so far no effective therapy to treat the virus has been created.

    Treatment

    • To treat the patient for HCV, the genotype has to be determined. The arrangement of the genetic material RNA would then help determine the treatment. Once identified, the treatment can be suggested and, because the HCV never changes, the treatment can be continued without further tests being needed.

    Subtype

    • Within the genotypes are subtypes of the virus that number more than 50. These subtypes also determine the characteristics of the HCV. When treatment is being determined, the subtype has to be classified as well.

    Spread

    • The HCV is a RNA virus that spreads through blood and its various products. While sexual transmission is rare, it is possible -- with the usual form of contamination being blood transfusion.

Hepatitis - Related Articles