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Molecular epidemiology and genetic history of hepatitis C virus subtype 3a infection in Thailand

S Akkarathamrongsin1, P Hacharoen, P Tangkijvanich

  • 1Inter-Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Intervirology
|July 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 3a is common in Thailand. This study traces its molecular epidemiology and epidemic history, revealing its introduction around the 1970s-1980s.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 3a is the most prevalent genotype in Thailand.
  • Understanding its molecular epidemiology is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular epidemiology of HCV subtype 3a in Thailand.
  • To determine the epidemic history and origins of HCV subtype 3a strains in the Thai population.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of core and NS5B regions from 356 Thai HCV-infected patients.
  • Molecular evolution analysis using BEAST (Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis by Sampling Trees).

Main Results:

  • HCV subtype 3a was the most prevalent (38.5%), followed by 1a, 1b, genotype 6, and 3b.
  • Phylogenetic analysis identified a distinct cluster of HCV subtype 3a in Thailand.
  • Molecular evolutionary analysis estimated the most recent common ancestor around 200 years ago, with spread to Thailand in the mid-1970s to early 1980s.

Conclusions:

  • The estimated history of HCV subtype 3a in Thailand provides insights into its introduction and spread.
  • This information can aid in predicting future HCV-related disease burdens.
  • Facilitates improved public health control and surveillance strategies for HCV in Thailand.
Abstract

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