FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS GENOTYPES IN THE NORTH OF PAKISTAN
Background: The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is high in Pakistan. Up till now six genotypes have been identified. Genotype 3 is the most prevalent form in Pakistan. However, studies have shown regional variations in the prevalence of different genotypes. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of major genotypes of hepatitis C in the North of Pakistan. 
Material & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2010 to July 2013 at MMT Hospital D. I. Khan and Ibrahimi Hospital & Trust Peshawar, Pakistan. Patients blood samples positive for Anti-HCV were then subjected to PCR for HCV RNA. Genotype determination was done using ROTOR Gene TM. Data was recorded in tables and analyzed by using SPSS version 18. 
Results: A total of 537 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, aged between 16 to 65 years, were included in this study, out of which 282 (53.1%) and 255 (46.9%) were males and females respectively. Regarding HCV genotyping; 355 (66.11.%) were type 3a, 14 (2.61%) 3b, 40 (7.45%) type 2a, 5 (0.93%) types 2b, 1a and 1b each, 9 (1.67%) patients mixed types 2a and 3b, 3 (0.56%) were combined 3a and 3b and 101 (18.81%) were un-type able. 
Conclusion: Type 3 is the most prevalent HCV genotype in the North of Pakistan followed by type 2. The type 1 genotype is less prevalent in the North as compared to the rest of Pakistan. Because of the more prevalence of type 3 & 2, we can safely recommend shorter durations of antiviral therapy with better viral clearance rates.