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Are HCV genotypes 2 and 3 the same or different?

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Abstract

Because hepatitis C virus genotypes 2 and 3 are both responsive to antiviral treatment, they have been regarded as similar. However, recent evidence has shown there may be differences between these two genotypes with regard to their clinical features and possibly responses to combined interferon and ribavirin therapy. This article reviews the recent literature analyzing these potential differences, particularly reports suggesting a relationship between high baseline viremia levels and lower treatment response in genotype 3. However, as demonstrated in recent studies considering rapid virologic response (RVR) as a criterion for shortening treatment from the standard 24 weeks to 12 or 16 weeks in patients with genotype 2 or 3, the reason for lower response in genotype 3 versus genotype 2 patients may be a lower response rate in patients without an RVR. As a consequence, treatment longer than the currently recommended 24 weeks may be required for patients with genotype 3 but not for those with genotype 2 in the absence of an RVR. Whether this lower sensitivity to treatment in a subgroup of patients with genotype 3 may be attributed to viral heterogeneity or other associated cofactors is not yet known.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology Division, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Hospital, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy

    Alessandra Mangia

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  1. Alessandra Mangia
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  2. Angelo Andriulli
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Correspondence to Alessandra Mangia.

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Mangia, A., Andriulli, A. Are HCV genotypes 2 and 3 the same or different?. Curr hepatitis rep 7, 88–92 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11901-008-0013-3

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