The hepatitis C genotype is a type or "strain" of hepatitis C virus. There are 6 genotypes of hepatitis C around the world. In the United States, 3 genotypes are common:
Genotype 1
Genotype 2
Genotype 3
These can be further specified as:
Genotype 1a or 1b
Genotype 2a or 2b
Genotype 3a or 3b
The genotype of hepatitis C does not change over time. It needs to be tested only once.
Explanation of test results:
Knowing the genotype of hepatitis C for each patient is very important information because hepatitis C treatment works differently for different genotypes. In general, genotype 1 is much more "resistant" to hepatitis C treatment and genotypes 2 and 3 are much more "sensitive" to treatment.
Genotype 1 (more difficult to treat)
Approximately 72% of Americans with hepatitis C have genotype 1
Chance of clearing hepatitis C virus is 42-46%
Treatment usually lasts for 1 year
Ribavirin dosage usually is higher than that required to treat other genotypes
Genotype 2 (easier to treat)
Approximately 10% of Americans with hepatitis C have genotype 2
Chance of clearing hepatitis C virus is 65-80%
Treatment usually lasts for 6 months
Ribavirin dosage usually is lower than that required to treat genotype 1
Genotype 3 (easier to treat)
Approximately 6% of Americans with hepatitis C have genotype 3
Chance of clearing hepatitis C virus is 65-80%
Treatment usually lasts for 6 months
Ribavirin dosage usually is lower than that required to treat genotype 1