what genotype ?

[Shuki]

what is genotype and do u find out which genotype you are ?

[Bill1954]

Hi Shuki,

The length or duration of treatment is determined in part by genotype. Genotype 1 will require at minimum 11 months of treatment, while with genotype 2 and 3 patients usually treat for at least 24 weeks.

Again, the need to treat can be predicated by many things, but most importantly liver biopsy. Those results can tell the patient whether they should do treatment immediately, or if maybe they can wait for newer, more efficient therapy.

A good site for Hep C knowledge is Janis and Friends; I’ll link you to their page for newly diagnosed:

http://janis7hepc.com/have_you_been_just_diagnosed.htm

Be sure to look through the information near the right hand side, ‘other HCV information’. This has info on viral load, genotype, biopsy, etc.

All the best of luck to you, and have a nice vacation—

Bill

[Shuki]

I forgot to answer something. If and when it's determined that one needs treatment - is it true that the treatment is given for about one year ??

[Bill1954]

Shuki, HCV genotype is the ‘strain’ of Hep C a person has… there are different types. It is determined by a blood test; once determined, it can help decide how long treatment might be needed for, and how well the drugs might work.

Genotype 1 is the most common in North America, and also the least responsive to interferon therapy. Genotype 2 and 3 require a shorter treatment period, and are more responsive to the medicine.

If you like, you can respond to this by clicking on the green “post comment” button at the bottom of this page.

Bill