Because of the poor treatment adherence and high prevalence, intravenous drug users (IDUs) have been identified as a priority for hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination. Understanding the characteristics of transmission and genome mutation can provide a theoretical basis for precise prevention. We have assimilated all available genetic data on temporal and geographic distribution of HCV genotype 1b among IDUs in mainland, China. We find that the presence of large transmission clusters makes HCV expand rapidly among IDUs. Importantly, we report the significant differences of mutation of NS5B gene regions within HLA-A*02 restricted CD8⁺ T-cell recognition epitopes between IDUs and Non-IDUs.

Hepatitis D-associated hospitalizations were relatively uncommon in the United States, but they were associated with severe complication and affect certain groups and regions disproportionally.