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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
GB virus C genotype 1 is rarely transmitted vertically but acquired during infancy in West Africa
Chengyao Li1, Kwabena Danso, Emmanuel Addo-Yobo
1Division of Transfusion Medicine, National Blood Service and University of Cambridge, UK.
AIDS (London, England)
|June 23, 2006
Insights
Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C) vertical transmission is less common in West Africa than in other regions. Lower viral loads of the local genotype 1 may explain this reduced mother-to-child transmission, with horizontal spread being more prevalent.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding transmission routes, particularly vertical transmission, is crucial for public health interventions.
- Geographic variations in GBV-C genotypes and their epidemiological impact are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and potential mechanisms of GBV-C vertical transmission in a West African cohort.
- To compare GBV-C transmission patterns in West Africa with those reported in other global regions.
- To assess the relationship between GBV-C viral load, specific genotypes, and transmission routes.
Main Methods:
- Collection of paired plasma and cord blood samples from pregnant Ghanaian women.
- Analysis of plasma samples from children aged 1 day to 70 months.
- Testing for GBV-C, HIV-1 RNA loads, and anti-E2 antibodies.
Main Results:
- The frequency of GBV-C vertical transmission in West Africa was found to be significantly lower compared to Europe, the USA, and East Asia.
- Genotypes prevalent in Europe, the USA, and East Asia (genotypes 2 or 3) were less common in this West African cohort.
- Horizontal transmission appeared to be the predominant mode of GBV-C spread in West Africa.
- Lower viral loads associated with the African genotype 1 may contribute to the observed limited vertical transmission.
Conclusions:
- West Africa exhibits a distinct pattern of GBV-C transmission, characterized by lower vertical transmission rates.
- The predominance of horizontal transmission in West Africa suggests different epidemiological dynamics.
- The lower viral load of the prevalent African GBV-C genotype 1 is a potential factor limiting mother-to-child transmission.
Abstract:
Paired Ghanaian plasma and cord blood from pregnant women, alongside plasma samples from children aged 1 day to 70 months, were tested for GBV-C, HIV-1 RNA loads and anti-E2. Frequency of GBV-C vertical transmission in West Africa is significantly lower than in Europe, the USA or East Asia where genotype 2 or 3 is prevalent. While horizontal transmission appears predominant in West Africa, the lower viral load of African genotype 1 might explain limited vertical transmission.
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