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Published on: March 30, 2014
Analysis of HCV genotypes from blood donors shows three new HCV type 6 subgroups exist in Myanmar
Toshiyuki Shinji1, Yi Yi Kyaw, Katsunori Gokan
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama 700-8558, Japan. toshinji@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype prevalence in Myanmar is now clearer, revealing three new type 6 subgroups. These findings offer insights into HCV evolution and spread in Southeast Asia.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution in Myanmar and Southeast Asia remains understudied.
- Understanding HCV genotypes is crucial for effective treatment and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes in Myanmar.
- To compare HCV antibody titers with RNA identification methods.
- To identify and characterize novel HCV type 6 variants in Myanmar.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 201 HCV antibody-positive donors in Yangon, Myanmar, were analyzed.
- HCV antibody titers were assessed using serial dilution with HCV antibody PA test II and Terasaki microplate.
- HCV RNA identification was performed using the Amplicor 2.0 test, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.
- Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on amplified HCV RNA to determine genotypes and identify new subgroups.
Main Results:
- Of 110 successfully amplified samples, 31.8% were genotype 1, 47.3% genotype 3, and 20.9% type 6 variants.
- Phylogenetic analysis identified three new type 6 subgroups in Myanmar: M6-1, M6-2, and M6-3.
- Subgroup M6-1 showed similarity to type 8, M6-2 to type 9, and M6-3 represented a novel subgroup.
- These specific type 6 subtypes were not observed in Vietnam, a region with widespread type 6 variants.
Conclusions:
- Myanmar exhibits a distinct HCV genotype profile, including novel type 6 subgroups.
- The identified subgroups (M6-1, M6-2, M6-3) contribute to the understanding of HCV genetic diversity in Southeast Asia.
- These findings provide valuable data for tracing the evolutionary history and transmission dynamics of HCV in the region.
Abstract:
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Myanmar in comparison with the rest of Southeast Asia is not well known. Serum samples were obtained from 201 HCV antibody-positive volunteer blood donors in and around the Myanmar city of Yangon. Of these, the antibody titers of 101 samples were checked by serial dilution using HCV antibody PA test II and Terasaki microplate as a low-cost method. To compare antibody titers by this method and RNA identification, we also checked HCV-RNA using the Amplicor 2.0 test. Most high-titer groups were positive for HCV-RNA. Of the 201 samples, 110 were successfully polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified. Among them, 35 (31.8%) were of genotype 1, 52 (47.3%) were of genotype 3, and 23 (20.9%) were of type 6 variants, and phylogenetic analysis of these type 6 variants revealed that 3 new type 6 subgroups exist in Myanmar. We named the subgroups M6-1, M6-2, and M6-3. M6-1 and M6-2 were relatively close to types 8 and 9, respectively. M6-3, though only found in one sample, was a brand-new subgroup. These subtypes were not seen in Vietnam, where type 6 group variants are widely spread. These findings may be useful for analyzing how and when these subgroups were formed.
