Orv Hetil. 2026 Aug 16;167(33):1318-1323. doi: 10.1556/650.2026.33628. Print 2026 Aug 16.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) shows great structural variability. Currently, it has 8 genotypes and 93 subtypes with differing distributions according to geographical regions, ethnicities, and risk groups. In Hungary, HCV infections have been screened since 1992. In our Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, we have been conducting HCV serotyping since 1996 and genotype and subtype analyses since 2000, both with national coverage.
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the genotype and subtype distributions of our national sample (n = 9067) according to age, sex, geographical region, and their evolution over three decades (1996-2026).
METHODS: Serotyping was carried out between 1996-1999 (n = 175) followed by genotyping with hybridization between 2000-2016 (n = 4844) and with real-time PCR since 2016 (n = 4223).
RESULTS: Over the three decades, GT1b remained the dominant subtype in Hungary, but its relative frequency diminished in comparison to GT1a and GT3. Overall prevalence was the highest among younger males (<40 years) and older females (>60 years). Age under 40 years showed statistically significant association with increased prevalence of GT3 and non-GT1b genotypes. GT3 was the most common in the Southwest region, while non-GT1b was the most frequent in the Northeast region.
DISCUSSION: Similarly to international findings, our results confirm a continuous change in the genotype/subtype distribution of HCV in Hungary, too. The observed increase in genetical diversity is linked to migration, travelling and the increasing frequency of intravenous drug use. Genotype monitoring of HCV, therefore, remains important for the early detection of rare subtypes, interpretation of unexpected therapeutic outcomes, and directed epidemiological investigations. It also supports the indirect monitoring of changes in population lifestyle factors and infection routes. Relevant information is necessary for the differentiation of relapse from reinfection. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(33): 1318-1323.
PMID:42604548 | DOI:10.1556/650.2026.33628
