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Molecular characterization, distribution, and dynamics of hepatitis C virus genotypes in blood donors in Colombia
Mónica Viviana Alvarado Mora1, Camila Malta Romano, Michele Soares Gomes-Gouvêa
1Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, São Paulo Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. monica.viviana@usp.br
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is dominant in Colombian blood donors, introduced around 1950 and spreading rapidly until the 1990s. This finding highlights the importance of screening in controlling HCV transmission.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer.
- HCV has multiple genotypes and subtypes globally.
- Colombian blood banks screen for anti-HCV antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize HCV viral sequences in Colombian blood donors.
- To determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes and subtypes in Bogotá.
- To investigate the introduction and spread of HCV-1b in Bogotá.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 184 blood donors were tested for anti-HCV antibodies.
- Nested PCR amplified three HCV genomic regions (5'UTR, NS5B, E1).
- Phylogenetic analysis and Bayesian MCMC simulation were used for genotyping, subtyping, and estimating introduction times.
Main Results:
- HCV genotype 1b was the most prevalent subtype (82.8%), followed by 1a, 2a, 2b, and 3a.
- HCV-1b was estimated to have been introduced into Bogotá around 1950.
- Exponential spread of HCV-1b occurred between 1970 and 1990, with reduced transmission thereafter.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b is the predominant genotype among Colombian blood donors in Bogotá.
- Anti-HCV testing in blood banks likely contributed to reduced transmission rates.
- Understanding HCV epidemiology is crucial for public health interventions in South America.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a frequent cause of acute and chronic hepatitis and a leading cause for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is classified in six major genotypes and more than 70 subtypes. In Colombian blood banks, serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using a third-generation ELISA. The aim of this study was to characterize the viral sequences in plasma of 184 volunteer blood donors who attended the "Banco Nacional de Sangre de la Cruz Roja Colombiana," Bogotá, Colombia. Three different HCV genomic regions were amplified by nested PCR. The first of these was a segment of 180 bp of the 5'UTR region to confirm the previous diagnosis by ELISA. From those that were positive to the 5'UTR region, two further segments were amplified for genotyping and subtyping by phylogenetic analysis: a segment of 380 bp from the NS5B region; and a segment of 391 bp from the E1 region. The distribution of HCV subtypes was: 1b (82.8%), 1a (5.7%), 2a (5.7%), 2b (2.8%), and 3a (2.8%). By applying Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation, it was estimated that HCV-1b was introduced into Bogotá around 1950. Also, this subtype spread at an exponential rate between about 1970 to about 1990, after which transmission of HCV was reduced by anti-HCV testing of this population. Among Colombian blood donors, HCV genotype 1b is the most frequent genotype, especially in large urban conglomerates such as Bogotá, as is the case in other South American countries.
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