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Seroepidemiology and genotypes of hepatitis C virus in Thailand
Srunthron Sunanchaikarn1, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Voranush Chongsrisawat
1Center of Excellence in Viral Hepatitis Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype prevalence in Thailand was surveyed in 2004. Genotype 3a was most common, followed by 1b and 6, crucial data for public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health concern.
- HCV exhibits significant genetic diversity with six major genotypes.
- Understanding HCV genotype distribution is vital for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence and genotype distribution of HCV in Thailand.
- To provide updated epidemiological data for public health surveillance.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological survey was conducted in 2004 across four Thai provinces.
- Serum samples from 5,825 individuals aged 2-60 years were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using ELISA.
- Positive samples were further analyzed by RT-PCR and core region sequencing for genotyping.
Main Results:
- The overall anti-HCV seroprevalence was 2.15% (125/5,825).
- RT-PCR confirmed 58% (58/100) of anti-HCV positive samples.
- Sequencing identified genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2c, 3a, 3b, and 6, with genotype 3a being the most prevalent (51.1%).
Conclusions:
- HCV genotype 3a is the predominant strain in Thailand.
- The findings highlight the importance of regional genotype surveillance for guiding public health interventions against HCV.
Abstract:
HCV can be classified into 6 major genotypes based on the phylogenetic analysis of the genomic sequences. The 3 major genotypes found in Thailand are 3, 1 and 6, respectively. In 2004, an epidemiological survey was carried out to evaluate the seroprevalence of HCV infections among populations aged 2-60 years in four provinces of Thailand, representing the North, Northeast, Center and South of the country, respectively. One hundred and twenty five out of 5,825 serum samples (2.15%) were positive for anti-HCV by ELISA. Fifty eight out of 100 anti-HCV positive samples (58.0%) were positive by RT-PCR of the 5'UTR. The core region of 45 representative samples was sequenced allowing classification into genotype variants 1a (6.7%), 1b (26.7%), 2a (2.2%), 2c (2.2%), 3a (51.1%), 3b (2.2%) and 6 (8.9%). This information might be crucial for public health surveillance and prevention of HCV infection.
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