In Iran, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)
infection is relatively low according to the populationb
a s e d e p i d e m i o l o g i c a l s t u d i e s . H o w e ve r, t h e
epidemiology of HCV is changing and the rate of HCV
infection is increasing due to the growth in the number
of injecting drug users in the society. In addition, a shift
has occurred in the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes
among HCV-infected patients in Iran. Genotype 1a is the
most prevalent genotype in Iran, but in recent years,
an increase in the frequency of 3a and a decrease in
1a and 1b have been reported. These variations in the
epidemiology of HCV reflect differences in the routes of
transmission, status of public health, lifestyles, and risk
factors in different groups and geographic regions of Iran.
Health policy makers should consider these differences to
establish better strategies for control and prevention of
HCV infection. Therefore, this review was conducted to
present a clear view regarding the current epidemiology
of HCV infection in Iran.
Key words: Hepatitis C virus; Blood donors; Injecting
drug users; Hemodialysis; Hemophilia; Thalassemia;
Genotypes; Occult hepatitis C virus; Epidemiology; Ira
