Genotype distribution and transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in French haemodialysed patients

Background. HCV genotyping was performed to identify the source of HCV infection in haemodialysed patients. Methods. Specimens from 48 HCV-infected patients treated in the same dialysis unit were genotyped by line probe assay (LiPA). Results. Thirty-seven patients (77%) were infected by genotype 1b. Only four of the 48 patients were never transfused and three of them had genotype 1b. In two of the three genotype 1b-infected patients, seroconversion was observed during the follow-up, suggesting a nosocomial HCV infection. Ten of the 44 transfused patients were infected with genotypes other than 1b. Blood products were very probably the source of infection in these patients. The 34 other patients (77.3%) were infected with genotype 1b and retrospective analysis failed to identify nosocomial and transfusional origin. Eight of the 11 patients with genotypes different from Ib were found in the 16 patients who were more than 55 years old. Only three of the eight originated from France. Conclusion, Blood transfusions and nosocomial infections were the main causes of HCV transmission in haemodialysed patients. Both screening of blood donors and aseptic measures in haemodialysis units may prevent HCV transmission.