Resumo

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem. HCV is one of the leading causes of acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences resulted in the classification of six genotypes and several subtypes. HCV genotypes and their subtypes coexist in various geographical locations, but show different prevalence levels. Brazil is a country of continental dimension with a population of different ethnic backgrounds. Thus, a wide variation in the frequencies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes is expected to occur, genotype 1 predominates, followed by genotypes 3 and 2. Genotypes 5 were rarely found and only in the Southeast, in São Paulo City. This study aims to report the first case of hepatitis C virus genotype 5 in the region of São José do Rio Preto – Sao Paulo state. Patient is a man born in Brazil, Palmares Paulista city in 1940, lived in Catanduva up to 17 years. In 1957 he moved to São Paulo, where he lived until his 41 years (1981), during which reports having used energy injectables. Returned to where he currently resides Catanduva.He never left the country and denies a history of blood transfusion, tattooing, piercing, intravenous drug use, or other risk factors for HCV acquisition. Was diagnosed with hepatitis C in June 2012, without symptoms, but with F3 fibrosis and degree of necroinflammatory activity A3. In August 2012 was 158397 viral load (RT -PCR - ABBOTT) and genotyping 5a (LIPA - SIEMENS)performed at the CLR - IAL SJRP. Started treatment with PEG-IFN alpha-2a and ribavirin in November 2012, having your viral load undetectable in 12/2012 remained to date. Description of this rare HCV genotype in São José do Rio Preto region emphasizes the need to actively search for other cases from this, and the implementation of surveillance for the enlightenment of those who were not previously genotyped. Besides the need for careful epidemiological surveys throughout Brazil in different population groups is reinforced since knowing the frequency and distribution of the genotypes would provide key information for understanding the spread of HCV as well as to furnish subsides for treatment guidelines.