Genotype 3 Hepatitis C: What You Need to Know

If you’ve just heard the term “genotype 3 hepatitis C,” you might wonder why it matters. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) isn’t a single bug – it comes in several genetic versions called genotypes. Genotype 3 is one of the most common types in the UK, South Asia, and parts of Europe. Knowing you have this specific genotype helps doctors pick the right medicines and predict how the disease might behave.

Genotype 3 tends to cause more fat buildup in the liver than other genotypes, which can speed up liver damage. It also shows a slightly different response to some older drugs, so newer direct‑acting antivirals (DAAs) are now the standard of care. Below we break down the basics, how you find out your genotype, and what treatment looks like today.

How It’s Diagnosed

The first step is a blood test that checks for HCV antibodies. A positive result tells you you’ve been exposed to the virus, but it doesn’t say which genotype you have. To pinpoint genotype 3, doctors order an HCV RNA test that measures the virus’s genetic material. Most labs use a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the RNA, then they sequence it to determine the genotype.

In many clinics, the genotype test is bundled with a liver health assessment. Your doctor will likely order liver function tests (ALT, AST) and an elastography scan (FibroScan) to see how stiff your liver is. The combination of viral load, genotype, and liver stage guides the treatment plan.

Treatment Options in 2025

Good news: modern DAAs cure over 95 % of genotype 3 infections, often in just 8‑12 weeks. The most common regimens include sofosbuvir‑velpatasvir (Epclusa) and glecaprevir‑pibrentasvir (Mavyret). Both are taken at home, once a day, with few side effects.

If you have advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, your doctor might add ribavirin for the first few weeks to boost the cure rate. Even then, the side effects are mild compared with older interferon‑based therapies that caused flu‑like symptoms and depression.

Before starting treatment, your doctor will check kidney function and any other meds you’re on, because DAAs can interact with certain heart or seizure drugs. It’s a simple conversation – just bring a list of your current prescriptions.

After you finish the course, a follow‑up blood test 12 weeks later confirms the virus is gone. If the test is negative, you’re considered cured and can stop worrying about liver damage from HCV.

For people who haven’t been vaccinated against hepatitis A or B, doctors often recommend those vaccines after HCV cure, to keep the liver safe.

In short, genotype 3 used to be a tough nut, but with today’s DAAs it’s a routine cure. If you suspect you have hepatitis C, ask your GP for an antibody test and follow up with a genotype check. Early diagnosis and treatment mean a healthier liver and a brighter future.