2008, Number 4
Which is the real genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in Mexico?
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Language: English
References: 11
Page: 390-391
PDF size: 90.39 Kb.
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Dear editor
Few years ago the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Mexico was unknown. An important exception is the study written by Alvarado-Esquivel et al in 1998. That study reported results of 516 blood donors from 21 states obtained in two referrals blood-banks, and 235 patients with liver disease from the States of Mexico, Jalisco, Michoacan and Oaxaca. In the last year four studies on this topic were published in different journals, even one in Annals of Hepatology. These new studies intended to obtain «national representativeness». The genotypic variability of HCV has implications that included differences in pathogenecity, sensitivity of diagnostic techniques, response to treatment, and vaccine efficacy. For this reason it’s important to review the methodology used in each study, and their findings (consistencies and inconsistencies). Afterwards, it will be possible to define a better picture of the genotype distribution of HCV in Mexico. In this sense, it is important to remember that, in addition to clinical objectives for each infected patient, from a public health perspective the occurrence recognition of a disease is one important step to identify and promote preventive strategies, and define cost-effectiveness treatments. In this letter we want to analyze briefly the methodology used in these papers, and propose a national distribution of HCV genotypes.
REFERENCES
Alvarado-Esquivel C, Wyseur A, Herrera-Ortíz FM, Ruiz-Maya L, Ruiz-Astorga R, Zarate-Aguilar A, et al. Hepatitis B and C virus infections in Mexico: genotypes and geographical distribution in blood donors and patients with liver disease. In: Schinazi RF, Sommadossi JP, Thomas HC (editors). Therapies for viral hepatitis. London: International Medical Press, 1998:35-41.