Genetic Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus Among People Who Use Crack Cocaine: A Study Conducted on the Brazilian Amazon Coast.

ABSTRACT: People who use crack cocaine (PWUCC) constitute a key population due to vulnerability and marginalization, especially in a socio-ecologically diverse, relatively isolated region with limited public health infrastructure. This study aimed to perform a genetic characterization of circulating HCV among PWUCC in the municipality of Bragança, situated on the Brazilian Amazon coast, identifying viral genotypes, subtypes, resistance-associated substitutions (RAS)-naturally occurring mutations in the viral genome that can reduce the efficacy of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents-and predictions of phenotypic resistance.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2018, biological samples and epidemiological data were obtained from 165 PWUCC. Viral detection was performed using RT-PCR, while genotyping, subt

SUBMITTER: Heymbeeck JAA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12735445 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature