genotype

I just got genotyped today. I have 1A, what does that mean. I know 1 means it is the hardest to treat but what about the A?

[Bill1954]

The ‘a’ in genotype ‘1a’ is a subtype; it won’t have much other meaning to us from a clinical perspective. It’s treated the same as 1b, and responds similarly.

Janis and Friends has a pretty good overview on genotype and subtypes:


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”

Bill

[vik97]

Bill,

Your info on HCV genotypes is very interesting.  The one thing I don't understand is that if Hep C has evolved over several thousand years, how did it spread?  It is spread by blood to blood contact and only by humans and chimpanzees. Prehistoric man didn't use syringes and he didn't use toothbrushes and nail clippers.

Vik

[jusjames]

vampires spread it

[Bill1954]

test...

[nygirl7]

Dont worry you are in the most common genotype with the rest of us who had it.  Just because it's hard doesn't mean you can't get rid of it. That's the good news.

As for how was it spread.....I think vampires is the best explanation too! I'm old but not old enough to know back a few thousand years though ;)

[vik97]

Vampires are fictional characters based on ancient legends and folklore

[jusjames]

are they?

[vik97]

Yes, just google or wikipedia "vampires"

I researched my original question of how hep c was spread before modern times and what I found was that the scientists don't know.

I know this question may not have much practical value in the treatment of hcv but I thought it was interesting anyway.  For me it's just a diversion while coping with side effects of treatment.

[jusjames]

i think its a good question my self , i too have researched this question. the scientists dont know because they are too dumb to realise that there really is only one explanation, Vampires!! they do exist i have seen one ...

[nygirl7]

Vampires are cool and generally very attractive - I don't mind them being around so much...nice eye candy even if they can be a pain in the neck!

[Bill1954]

Hi Vic, you’re asking a very good question; one I don’t have ready answers for. This addresses the evolution of HCV in depth; but my browser won’t let me open it right now; perhaps try this on your end, and take a look. It’s an excellent article from Simmonds; and if I recall is very much on point for this discussion:

http://vir.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/full/85/11/3173#R52

In the mean time, avoid bats and sudden urges for Transylvanian travel….

Bill

[jusjames]

oh my teeth need sharpening!

[vik97]

Thanks for the link, Bill.  It's a good starting point for further study.  I'll keep researching and let you know if find something interesting.

In the meantime, I'll try to control my urges.

Vik

[happy430]

I suppose the didnt have gloves back in those days