Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy for Mixed Genotype Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Objectives: Literature data concerning the outcomes of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in mixed genotype hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are very limited, and the incidence of mixed HCV infection in Turkey is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mixed genotype chronic HCV infection, risk factors related to mode of transmission and outcomes of DAA therapy in these patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with two different HCV genotypes identified in the same blood sample during a 20-month period were analyzed retrospectively in terms of treatment received, adherence and response to treatment and risk factors related to mode of transmission. Results: During the study period, mix genotypes were detected in 21 (4.2%) out of 495 patients with chronic HCV infection. Fifteen patients (71%) had a history of intravenous drug use. Eleven patients who received DAA treatment was HCV-RNA negative at the end of treatment. Conclusion: According to our findings, infection with different HCV genotypes is possible in patients with repeated HCV exposure, such as intravenous drug users, but mixed HCV infection can be successfully treated with DAA therapy. In addition, our study may be noteworthy for also including mixed genotypes in the HCV epidemiological shift in our region.