Abstract
Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the Hotan region, Xinjiang. Methods: The genotype and retrospective analysis of clinical data of patients with chronic HCV infection who visited the Hotan regional Infectious Disease Specialist Hospital from January 2021 to July 2024 were collected. The distribution characteristic of each genotype was analyzed. Results: A total of 1 366 cases with chronic HCV infection were collected. Seven hundred and ten were males, with an average age of (44.87±14.63) years. Genotype distribution:Patients with genotype 1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, and 6a accounted for 72.33% (988/1 366), 1.46% (20/1 366), 15.81% (216/1 366), 10.03% (137/1 366), and 0.37% (5/1 366), respectively. Genotype 1b patients were centered between 30-59 years old, with a higher detection rate in females than in males, while genotypes 3a and 3b were mainly between 30-49 years old, with a higher detection rate in males than in females.The patients in Pishan County, Moyu County, and Hotan County in Hotan region were mainly of genotype 1b, while the proportion of genotype 3 was relatively high in Hotan City, Luopu County, and Yutian County. Conclusions: The distribution of HCV genotypes in the Hotan region is diverse, with genotype 1b being the main one, and genotype 3 accounting for a high proportion. Therefore, it is recommended to actively conduct HCV genotype testing in key regions and populations to formulate optimized antiviral treatment plans and improve treatment efficacy.