摘要AIM: To analyze the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution and transmission risk factors in a population of unselected patients in Luxembourg. METHODS: Epidemiological information (gender, age and transmission risks) were collected from 802patients newly diagnosed for hepatitis C and living in Luxembourg, among whom 228 patients referred from prison. Genotyping using 5'noncoding (5'NC) sequencing was performed. We compared categorical data using the Fisher's exact F-test and odds ratios (OR) were calculated for evaluating association of HCV genotype and risk factors. RESULTS: The sex ratio was predominantly male (2.2) and individuals aged less than 40 years represented 49.6% of the population. Genotype l was predominant (53.4%) followed by genotype 3 (33%). Among risk factors, intravenous drug usage (IVDU) was the most frequently reported (71.4%) followed by medical-related transmission (17.6%) including haernophilia, transfusion recipients and other nosocomial reasons. Genotype 3was significantly associated to IVDU (OR=4.84,P＜0.0001＝ whereas genotype l was significantly associated with a medical procedure (OR = 2.42,P＜0.001＝.The HCV genotype distribution from inmate patients differed significantly from the rest of the population (Chi-square test with four degrees of freedom, P＜0.0001＝ with a higher frequency of genotype 3 (46.5% vs 27.5%) and a lower frequency of genotype 1 and 4 (44.7% vs 56.8%and 5.3% vs 9.6%,respectively).IVDU was nearly exclusively reported as a risk factor in prison. CONCLUSION: We report the first description of the HCV genotype distribution in Luxembourg. The repartition is similar to other European countries, with one of the highest European prevalence rates of genotype 3 (33%). Since serology screening became available in 1991,IVDU remains the most common way of HCV transmission in Luxembourg.