There are seven distinct genetic variations in hepatitis C, and these are called genotypes. Your medical provider uses genotype information in order to prescribe the hepatitis C treatment that is most likely to cure you. About 5 to 10 percent of people with hepatitis C have more than one genotype.

In the United States, 75 percent of all hepatitis C infections are genotype 1; genotypes 2, 3 and 4 are less common in the United States, and other genotypes are rare. Genotype 7 was discovered in 2013 and there are only a few cases.