1. Are there other viral conditions besides HIV for which genotypic resistance testing is being used in order to make treatment decisions?
Yes. Determination of hepatitis C virus (HCV)genotype may be useful to predict the patient's short and long term response to therapy. Prior to initiating treatment for HCV, molecular characterization of the genotype of HCV may be done to select the most efficacious therapy and duration of therapy. There are 6 major genotypes of HCV, and data have shown that patients with genotypes 2 or 3 have a better response to therapy than those with genotype 1. There are multiple genotypes of hepatitis A and B that vary by geographical distribution. The impact of the genotype on the severity and outcome of treatment for these has not been established. Therefore, routine testing for genotype of hepatitis A and B is not performed.
