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Evolution of hepatitis C virus quasispecies in children with chronic hepatitis C

M Gerotto1, M Resti, F Dal Pero

  • 1Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy.

Infection
|May 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) quasispecies diversify in children with chronic hepatitis C over time. This viral heterogeneity may impact future treatment responses, suggesting early intervention is beneficial.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Hepatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists as a quasispecies, a mix of related genomes, crucial for persistence and potentially interferon resistance.
  • Limited data exists on HCV quasispecies behavior in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the evolution of HCV quasispecies in untreated children with chronic hepatitis C over a 5-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Six children (1-8 years old) with early-life HCV infection were studied.
  • Sequential serum samples over 5 years were analyzed for HCV quasispecies heterogeneity and diversity in the E2 hypervariable region-1 (HVR-1).
  • Heteroduplex mobility assay and heteroduplex mobility ratio (HMR) were used to assess viral diversity.

Main Results:

  • Initially, HCV populations were homogeneous in all children.
  • Over time, HVR-1 diversification occurred in all subjects, more pronounced in older children (HMR: 0.82-0.54).
  • Sequence changes did not correlate with ALT or HCV-RNA levels.

Conclusions:

  • HCV quasispecies diversification is common in childhood chronic hepatitis C.
  • Host and environmental factors likely influence viral heterogeneity.
  • Increased viral heterogeneity may reduce treatment efficacy, supporting early antiviral therapy in children.
Abstract

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