Hepatitis C viral load and genotypes among Nigerian subjects with chronic infection and implication for patient management: a retrospective review of data

摘要

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is highly infectious with no currently available vaccine. Prior to treatment, it is recommended to confirm HCV infection with either quantitative or qualitative nucleic acid test. Access to these assays in Nigeria is limited but for effective management of patients, HCV viral load (VL) prior to therapy is required and genotype may be needed in some instances. This study aimed at reviewing the pattern of HCV viral load and genotype in the country, and its implication in patient management.