Difference between genotype 1 and 1a?

[EyesofBlue55]

Can someone tell me what is the difference between genotype 1 and 1a?Just diagnosed with this and was wondering what the "A" stands for  ??? thanks

[WriteItDown]

Yes, you have a better chance at clearing the virus at an earlier stage.

No, your level of liver damage does not necessarily correspond to how long you've had the virus. Many people have it for decades without much damage.

If you are interested in exploring the option of triple therapy with the new drugs, there is tons of information available on the internet. Both Telaprevir and Boceprevir have done many clinical trials with thousands of participants. Many people here have done them, so you can get a lot of info about side effects, rates of success, etc.  It's true that there have not been studies of possible long-term effects of the new drugs, but most people seem to think that it's the SOC drugs (specifically the interferon) that is most likely to cause long-term effects.

The best thing to do, IMHO, is to educate yourself enough so that you can make a well-informed decision, based on your particular susceptibilities, your own personal needs, and your comfort zone. The few months it will take to read up on it and get your bearings will be well worth the effort.

[susan400]

I started out at the very beginning with genotype 1A and 1B.  After many, many treatments, I finally cleared the 1B, but the 1A has remained resistant to the 10 treatments that I've tried.  As NYGirl said above, it depends on the individual and how that person's immune system handles it.  Susan400

[EyesofBlue55]

Also does Stage 1 Grade 1 possibly mean that Ive only had this virus for a short time.If there was more damage to me that should maybe mean that I havent had it as long as someone who has more damage.Am I making sense?

[EyesofBlue55]

At stage 1 grade one wouldnt I have a better chance of clearing than for someone who had grade3 stage 3 or does the amount of damage not matter when clearing the virus?I could wait but is there enough info about these new drugs as far as side effects and possible long term after effects.?24 weeks sure does sound a whole lot better than 48!! I need more info.

[WriteItDown]

At Grade 1 Stage 1, I would personally wait and do Telaprevir or Boceprevir (when they are approved -- probably within the next year) along with SOC. This will give you a much better shot at the treatment working. Best of luck to you.

[Bill1954]

Hi Cindy,

That’s a reassuring biopsy report; it leaves you with options, which is good. On the other hand, you have to make a choice whether to do treatment now, or perhaps wait to see what additional treatments will avail themselves.

Did you manage to discuss the timeframes involved with the new protease inhibitor drugs with your doc yet? I think it’d be prudent to talk this over with him/her as part of the decision process; ask them about future availability of ‘protease inhibitor’ class drugs, or more generally ‘STAT-C’ therapy.

These will be used as adjuncts to the existing interferon/ribavirin; the new three drug combo treatment appears to greatly increase efficacy for genotype 1 patients, as well as possibly shortening the duration as well. In clinical trials, these new drugs have increased the SVR rate from roughly 45% to nearly 80% in treatment naïve patients. They have also reduced successful treatment time from at least 48 weeks to only 28 weeks in those patients that achieve rapid viral response.

The press releases, as well as most anecdotal info suggest they will be approved and available as early as this time next year; with stage 1, grade 1 disease, you can most likely wait to see how this unfolds.

Some of the brightest, best-informed members in this forum are waiting as well; if you decide to go this route, you’ll have plenty of company :o).

If you like, read through some of the articles linked in this address ( with emphasis on both Telaprevir and Boceprevir) , and discuss your thoughts with your doc:

http://tinyurl.com/b9mh7w

Good luck, and be sure to let us know what you decide—

Bill

[EyesofBlue55]

Ok got my biopsy report today.
viral load   10,527,000
No  cirossis
fibrosis   Grade 1  Stage 1

dr says she could watch me for awhile and see if things progress but she says also since grade1 and stage 1 would be easier to clear(if I do) I need input from everyone please.I want to do the tx and get it over with!!!

[nygirl7]

I had both geno 1A and also 1B- beat them both so don't concern yourself too much about it.  As long as you know you are geno1 the sub isn't so important. Some say B is harder to beat than A, others have beaten A but not B......it depends on you and your immune system.

[Bill1954]

The ‘a’ in genotype 1a refers to the subtype of the disease; 1a is the most prevalent in North America, while 1b has historically been more prevalent in Europe, I believe. In terms of disease management they’re both treated as one disease, and both difficult to get rid of, unfortunately. Janis and Friends site has ore info on genotyping here:

http://janis7hepc.com/hepatitis_c_genotypes_news.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Most of us learn about Hepatitis C as one disease, however in actuality it's really several different strains of a virus. They are all similar enough to be called hepatitis C virus, yet different enough to be classified into subgroups.

HCV GENOTYPES are broken down into sub-types, some of which include: 1a, 1b, 1c 2a, 2b, 2c 3a, 3b 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e 5a 6a 7a, 7b 8a, 8b 9a 10a 11a

Genotype Geography Patterns:

It is believed that the hepatitis C virus has evolved over a period of several thousand years. This would explain the current general global patterns of genotypes and subtypes:

1a - mostly found in North & South America; also common in Australia

1b - mostly found in Europe and Asia.

2a - is the most common genotype 2 in Japan and China.

2b - is the most common genotype 2 in the US and Northern Europe.

2c - the most common genotype 2 in Western and Southern Europe.

3a - highly prevalent here in Australia (40% of cases) and South Asia.

4a - highly prevalent in Egypt

4c - highly prevalent in Central Africa

5a - highly prevalent only in South Africa

6a - restricted to Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam

7a and 7b - common in Thailand

8a, 8b & 9a - prevalent in Vietnam

10a & 11a - found in Indonesia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best of luck to you—

Bill

[chemister]

The doctor tells me that I had geno 1 and 2, not 1 a or b. He told that many times they can only see geno 1 and not a or b. The same treatment anyway.