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Sequence diversity of hepatitis C viral genomes
N Kato1, M Hijikata, Y Ootsuyama
1Virology Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
Molecular Biology & Medicine
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Japanese hepatitis C virus (HCV-J) isolates show significant genetic differences from the US strain (HCV-US). Viral genome mutation rates in HCV-J are comparable to human immunodeficiency virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease.
- Understanding genetic diversity among HCV isolates is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous studies have identified genetic variations in HCV, but specific comparisons between Japanese and US strains were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the nucleotide sequences of Japanese hepatitis C virus isolates (HCV-J).
- To compare the genetic makeup of HCV-J with the original US isolate (HCV-US).
- To assess the mutation frequency within the HCV-J genome.
Main Methods:
- Nucleotide sequence analysis of 275 base-pair cDNAs from the non-structural protein 5 region.
- Analysis of samples from 11 patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis (plasma) and 5 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver).
- Comparative sequence analysis between Japanese isolates (HCV-J) and a US isolate (HCV-US).
Main Results:
- HCV-J isolates exhibited 14-17% nucleotide sequence divergence from HCV-US.
- Intra-isolate sequence diversity among HCV-J strains ranged from 2.5-11%.
- Characteristic common differences and random substitutions were observed between HCV-J and HCV-US, with evidence of plural genomes and deletions in some HCV-J samples.
Conclusions:
- HCV-J represents a distinct strain compared to HCV-US.
- The mutation rate of the HCV-J genome is high, similar to that of human immunodeficiency virus.
- These findings highlight the genetic variability of HCV and its implications for viral evolution.