1. Antivir Ther. 2013;18(3):263-9. doi: 10.3851/IMP2449. Epub 2012 Oct 30.

HCV genotype 5: an orphan virus.

Antaki N, Abboud D, Antaki F, Craxi A.

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis Hospital, Aleppo,
Syria. nabilantaki@hotmail.com.

HCV genotype 5 (HCV-5) is the least known HCV genotype. It is found mainly in
South Africa and in restricted areas of Belgium, Spain, France, Syria and Greece.
Sporadic cases are reported worldwide. The main modes of transmission are blood
transfusion and iatrogenic causes. Little is known about its origin, but various 
studies have elucidated its spread worldwide. In endemic areas, patients infected
with HCV-5 are on average older and have a higher viral load and more advanced
fibrosis than those infected with non-HCV-5 genotypes.The current standard of
care for HCV-5 chronic infection is 48 weeks of dual therapy with pegylated
interferon plus ribavirin. 'Favourable' Il28B polymorphisms are not associated
with higher sustained viral response rates. Assessment of shorter duration of
therapy is made difficult by the lack of identifiable baseline predictors of
response. Whilst there are in vitro data showing good activity of some
direct-acting antivirals and of host-targeted agents against HCV-5, no clinical
trials of these molecules have yet started.

PMID: 23111702  [PubMed - in process]