Hepatitis C Virus Type 1b (II) Infection in France and Italy

Abstract

The prevalence of HCV genotypes in French and Italian patients has been changing; the prevalence of HCV type 1b (II) infection has progressively decreased, although it still accounts for most HCV-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. High HCV viremia levels and HCV genotype type 1b (II) are independent predictors for poor response to interferon-alpha therapy and should be considered in the management of patients with HCV infection.