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Genotypes and subtypes of hepatitis C virus in Burundi: a particularity in sub-Saharan Africa
Rénovat Ntagirabiri1, Jean Dominique Poveda2, Annie Mumana1
1Centre des Maladies Digestives et du Foie « CEMADIF », Bujumbura, Burundi.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 is the most prevalent in Burundi, with subtypes 4h and 4e being the most common. This study highlights challenges with the LiPA method for HCV subtyping in African populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Accurate HCV genotype identification is crucial for effective treatment strategies, as different genotypes require distinct therapeutic approaches.
- No prior studies have characterized HCV genotypes and subtypes within Burundi, necessitating local epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the predominant Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes circulating in Burundi.
- To evaluate the performance and identify limitations of the widely used LiPA (line probe assay) method for HCV subtyping in the region.
- To provide essential data for informing public health interventions and treatment guidelines for HCV in Burundi.
Main Methods:
- A total of 179 serum samples positive for anti-HCV antibodies were analyzed.
- HCV RNA detection, genotyping, and subtyping were performed.
- All analyses were conducted at Cerba laboratory in Paris, France.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 was detected in 92.7% (166/179) of patients, followed by genotype 1 (5.6%) and genotype 3 (1.7%).
- Subtyping was successful for 51 out of 166 HCV genotype 4 cases (30.7%).
- The most frequent subtypes were 4h (49.1%), 4e (21.6%), and 4k (3.9%), with a notable proportion (25.5%) falling into the 4a/4c/4d group. The LiPA method demonstrated significant limitations, failing to subtype 69.3% of HCV-4 samples and unable to differentiate between subtypes 4a, 4c, and 4d.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 is the predominant genotype in Burundi.
- Subtypes 4h and 4e are the most widespread among the studied population.
- The LiPA method presents challenges for accurate HCV subtyping in Burundi, particularly for genotype 4, indicating a need for alternative or improved genotyping techniques in the region.
Introduction:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue. HCV genotype identification is clinically important to tailor the dosage and duration of treatment. Indeed, distinct therapeutic approaches are required for each genotype. Up to now, there is no study assessing HCV genotypes and subtypes in Burundi. The aim of the study was to determine HCV genotypes and subtypes in Burundi and to highlight the difficulties related to LiPA Method, widely used for African samples.
Methods:
In this study, a total of 179 samples contained anti-HCV antibodies were tested for HCV RNA, genotyping and subtyping. The analysis had been made in Cerba laboratory, Paris, France.
Results:
166 patients (92.7%) were genotype 4; 10 patients (5.6%) were genotype 1 and 3 patients (1.7%) were genotype 3. It was possible to determine subtypes for 51 HCV-4 (30.7%) patients. Among these, 25 (49.1%) had 4h subtype; 11 (21.6%) had 4e subtype; 2 (3.9%) had 4k subtype and 13 patients (25.5%) had 4a/4c/4d subtype. The LiPA method failed to subtype 115 (69.3%) HCV-4 and to separate the three subtype: 4a, 4c and 4d.
Conclusion:
Genotype 4 and subtype 4h followed by 4e are the widespread in Burundi.
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