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Sequential changes in hepatitis A virus genotype distribution in Estonia during 1994 to 2001
Tatjana Tallo1, Helene Norder, Valentina Tefanova
1Department of Virology, Estonian Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Tallinn, Estonia.
Journal of Medical Virology
|April 16, 2003
Summary
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) molecular epidemiology was studied in Estonia. A large 1998-1999 outbreak was linked to subtype IIIA, which spread to the general population, while genotype IA dominated other cases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreaks pose significant public health challenges.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and transmission patterns of HAV is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolates from a large outbreak and non-outbreak cases in Estonia.
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of HAV using sequencing of the aminoterminal VP1 region.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of the aminoterminal VP1 region of HAV RNA from patient sera.
- Analysis of 107 outbreak cases and 68 background cases spanning 1994-2001.
- Comparison of Estonian HAV strains with global isolates.
Main Results:
- A large outbreak (1998-1999) was associated with five distinct sequences of subtype IIIA, which also spread into the general population.
- Non-outbreak isolates (1994-2001) predominantly belonged to genotype IA, forming distinct clusters.
- Subtype IIIA was previously identified in drug users in Sweden and Norway.
Conclusions:
- The aminoterminal VP1 region sequencing is effective for molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis A.
- The study identified a shift in dominant HAV subtypes in Estonia during the observed period.
- The findings highlight the importance of molecular surveillance for tracking HAV transmission dynamics.