Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Chronic Infected Injecting Drug Users in Tehran, Iran

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of infection that has the potential to cause chronic liver disease. Injecting drug users (IDUs) have a key role in HCV transmission in Iran. Knowledge of the distribution of various genotypes is essential for successful future research and control strategies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify HCV genotypes among chronic infected injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tehran, Iran. Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study, we investigated HCV genotypes among 36 plasma samples from HCV infected IDUs (35 male and 1female, mean age: 33.67, and age range 20-62 years), referred to Research Center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization(IBTO) in Tehran from December 2008 to March 2009. HCV Genotyping was performed using type-specific primers. Results: Genotypes 3a, 1a and 1b were found in 58.3 %, 25% and 16.7 % patients, respectively. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the high prevalence of genotype 3a among injecting drug users, which is also found in Europe and United states.