Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
Published on: July 16, 2012
HCV genotype determination in monoinfected and HIV co-infected patients in Cuba
Licel de Los Angeles Rodríguez Lay1, Maria Caridad Montalvo Villalba, Marité Bello Corredor
1Institute for Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Department of Virology, National Reference Laboratory on Viral Hepatitis, Havana City, Cuba. licel@ipk.sld.cu
Insights
This study characterized Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotypes in Cuba, finding predominantly genotype 1b. HCV/HIV co-infected individuals showed more mixed infections, including the first detection of genotype 4a.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype distribution varies globally, impacting treatment efficacy.
- Characterizing HCV genotypes in specific populations is crucial for epidemiological surveillance and public health strategies.
- Cuba's HCV genotype landscape, particularly in co-infected individuals, requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of HCV genotypes in Cuba among HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients.
- To identify any associations between HCV genotypes and co-infection status or demographic factors.
- To report the first detection of HCV genotype 4a in Cuba.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 84 patients (HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV co-infected) were analyzed.
- Genotyping employed reverse transcription-PCR with specific primers, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on selected HCV isolates.
Main Results:
- Genotype 1b was the most prevalent (82%) among single infections, followed by genotype 1a (12%).
- Mixed infections were found in 6% of samples, with genotypes 1a/3a, 1b/3a, 1b/4a, and 1a/1b/3a identified.
- HCV/HIV co-infected patients exhibited a higher frequency of mixed infections and the novel detection of genotype 4a.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C Virus genotype 1b is predominant in the studied Cuban population.
- HCV/HIV co-infection is associated with increased mixed genotype infections and the presence of rarer genotypes like 4a.
- This study provides essential data on HCV genotype prevalence in Cuba, particularly highlighting findings in co-infected individuals.
Abstract:
With the aim to characterize the HCV genotype distribution in Cuba, sera were collected from two subgroups: HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients. A combination of reverse transcription-PCR using genotype-specific primers, restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing was used to determine the genotype of 84 samples. Seventy-nine (94%) showed single infections (10 [12%] were genotype 1a and 69 [82%] genotype 1b) and 5 (6%) samples corresponded to mixed infections (2 [2%] with genotypes 1a/3a and 1 sample [1%] each with 1b/3a, 1b/4a and 1a/1b/3a). HCV/HIV co-infected subjects had a higher frequency of mixed infections (p=0.08), infection with genotype 3a (p=0.18) and for the first time genotype 4a was found. There was no association of any demographic characteristics with any specific genotype although HCV/HIV co-infected patients showed a tendency to have mixed genotypes in those older than 45 years of age (p=0.11). Phylogenetic analysis showed that HCV isolates clustered with subtypes 1b (n=15, maximal genetic distance 2.51%) and 1a (n=2, maximal genetic distance 0.35%). This report presents the prevalence of HCV genotypes in monoinfected and HIV co-infected patients, mixed HCV infections in HCV/HIV co-infected men who have sex with men with high-risk sexual practices and for the first time identifies that the uncommon genotype 4a can be present in a patient co-infected with HIV.
