Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping Test analyzes the most common HCV types and subtypes, which covers the vast majority of disease presence seen in the US and the world. Our lab located in Linden NJ.
What is Hepatitis Virus C and why genotype?
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a RNA virus that undergoes constant mutation, making it an infection that is a major, widespread public health problem. Globally, more than one million new cases are reported annually and currently, HCV is responsible for an estimated 8,000-to-10,000 deaths in the United States each year. HCV infection is also one of the main causes of cirrhosis to the liver, and hepatocellular carcinoma and HCV-related end stage liver disease is the leading reason for liver transplantation in the United States, as well.
Upon infection, individuals may note fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, or even fever. Among most individuals, the immune system is unable to clear the infection successfully, leading to chronic HCV infection that progresses over decades. Individuals who develop cirrhosis of the liver may continue to advanced cirrhosis, which can lead to death. As a result, HCV infections are the leading indication for liver transplants and account for up to 50% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases.
An important variable for all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the "genotype" of HCV with which they are infected. Approximately 75% of Americans with HCV have genotype 1 of the virus (subtypes 1a or 1b), and 20-25% have genotypes 2 or 3, with small numbers of patients infected with genotypes 4, 5, or 6. 6 Genotype 4 is much more common in Africa than in many other parts of the world, genotype 6 is common in Southeast Asia, and each area of the world has its own distribution of genotypes.
Test Components
The GenMark Dx eSensor HCV genotyping test is designed to genotype for the six most common HCV types and eight different subtype combinations, which covers the vast majority of disease presence seen in the US and the world:
Genotype 1a
Genotype 1b
Genotype 2a/c
Genotype 2b
Genotype 3
Genotype 4
Genotype 5
Genotype 6
Dual infections 1-4
Indications For Use
Determining the HCV genotype is a useful clinical tool for making therapeutic recommendations. Individuals with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 are about 3x more likely than individuals with genotype 1 to respond to therapy (both mono- and combination therapy). When using combination therapy, recommended treatment duration also depends on the genotype, adding to the clinical value of HCV genotype testing.
Testing Frequency
Patients with chronic HCV should be examined every 1-to-4 weeks while on therapy. Evaluation should continue for at least 6 months after stopping therapy to assess whether the response to therapy has been sustained.