Prevalence and genotype distribution of Hepatitis C virus among Intravenous Drug users (IDUs) in Surabaya, Indonesia

Every year, there is an increase in the number Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) in Indonesia, in which they have a greater risk of getting Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. This study was aimed to determine HCV prevalence and genotypes among IDUs in Surabaya. A total 25 IDUs were tested for anti-HCV. Reverse-transcription PCR in the NS5B region and 5'UTR was carried out on serum with positive anti-HCV, continued with sequencing and HCV genotype/subtype determination. The prevalence of HCV infection in IDUs in Surabaya based on positive anti-HCV was 96%(24/25). Sequencing analysis showed that 92%(22/24) could be determined their genotypes and subtypes. 40.9% (9/22) samples had genotype 1 with subtype 1a 31.82%(7/22) and subtype 1c 9.09%(2/22). 40.9%(9/22) samples had genotype 3, with subtype 3a 18.18%(4/22) and 3k 22.73%(5/22). 13.64%(4/22) samples had genotype 4 with subtype 4a, and 4.55% (1/22) sample had genotype 6 subtype 6n. The prevalence of HCV infection was high among IDUs in Surabaya. In this study, genotypes 6 was found in which it is rarely found in Indonesia, so there is a possibility that there are different HCV genotype patterns in each region of Indonesia