Investigation of HCV RNA and genotype distribution in the patients who consult kilis state hospital and anti HCV of whom is detected positive

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the distribution of HCV RNA and genotype in patients who applied to Kilis State Hospital and were found to be anti-HCV positive. In line with the purpose of the study, the sera of 104 patients who applied to Kilis State Hospital, whose blood samples were taken with the request of hepatitis panels and who were found to be anti-HCV positive, were collected and stored at -80°C until they were studied. HCV RNA was investigated in Gaziantep University Şahinbey Hospital Medical Microbiology laboratory in samples whose anti HCVs were found positive by ELISA method (Architect i2000, Abbott, Germany). Genotype was studied in 61 samples with positive HCV RNA (Qiagen, Hilden Germany) in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. No specific genotype could be detected in three of 61 samples. Of 58 patients with genotype, 31 (53.4%) were female, 27 (46.6%) were male, 27 (46.6%) were Turkish citizens and 31 (53.4%) were foreign nationals. It was determined that Type 1b (40.7%) was the most common genotype in 27 Turkish citizens and Type 4 (64.5%) in 31 foreign nationals. It was determined that the genotype distribution did not differ significantly with gender. It was observed that the dominant types, Type 1 and Type 4, were at higher rates in older ages. The findings obtained in the study show that Type 4 and Type 5 are more common in foreign nationals. It is seen that Type 1b is common in Turkish citizens. This suggests that the refugees in the region brought the disease from their own countries. Our study is important in terms of showing the genotype distribution in foreign nationals. It also reveals the necessity of more careful planning of treatment regimens for Turkish citizens.