Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 7, a New Genotype Originating from Central Africa

Abstract

We report a new hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype identified in patients originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The prototype QC69 virus is shown to be a new lineage distinct from genotypes 1 to 6. Three additional patients were also found to be infected by a virus from this lineage, confirming its circulation in humans. We propose that these viruses be classified into HCV genotype 7.