[Genetic diversity of viruses. Consequences for screening and prevention]

The evolution of viruses contributes to their diversification, whether it be a result of their own replication, or host-pressure dependent. Certain viral types, groups or subtypes are therefore found in certain regions of the world or in certain populations. The development of blood screening reagents is nearly always based on viral antigens or viral sequences derived from 'prototype' strains or antibodies raised against these prototype strains. Therefore in situations where an individual is infected by a viral strain that is genetically and antigenically distantly related to the prototype strain used in the development of the test, screening failure may occur. In the present article, this has been illustrated via 3 models, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the B19 parvovirus. Viral diversity also has a negative effect on the prevention of blood-transmitted viral infections. The example provided concerns vaccination failure and/or seroprophylaxis against hepatitis B.