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Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Kenya
Joseph Mwangi1,2, Zipporah Nganga3, Solomon Mpoke4
1Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya. mwangijose@yahoo.com.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Kenya were identified, revealing genotype 2b as dominant (90%) in blood donors. This study provides crucial data on HCV prevalence and types in Kenya.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Phylogenetic analysis has classified HCV into six main genotypes with numerous subtypes.
- Limited data exists on HCV seroprevalence and genotypes within Kenya.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the circulating Hepatitis C virus genotypes in the Kenyan blood donor population.
- To contribute essential epidemiological data on HCV in a region with scarce information.
Main Methods:
- Blood donor samples were initially screened for HCV antibodies.
- Seropositive samples were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Positive samples underwent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to identify HCV genotypes.
Main Results:
- Out of 100 samples, 16 were initially seropositive, with only 10 confirmed as viremic by PCR (10% overall).
- The majority of viremic samples were from females (60%) with a mean age of 25 years.
- Genotypic analysis revealed genotype 1a (10%) and a predominant genotype 2b (90%).
Conclusions:
- This study identifies genotype 2b as the most prevalent HCV type among Kenyan blood donors.
- The findings highlight the need for further research into HCV epidemiology in Kenya.
- Understanding HCV genotypes is vital for effective public health strategies and treatment.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus is a great public-health concern worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of the HCV genome has identified six different genotypes that have generally been divided into several subtypes. There is very little information on HCV seroprevalence and genotypes in Kenya. To determine the genotypes of HCV circulating in Kenya, blood donor samples were serologically tested and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive samples were cloned and sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis conducted to determine the HCV genotypes. One hundred Murex-seropositive samples were re-tested using a passive hemagglutination test, and 16 of these were identified as seropositive. Further testing of all of the samples by PCR identified only 10 of the 16 samples as positive. Thus, only 10 % (10/100) of the samples were viremic. Six were from females (60 %), and four were from males (40 %). The mean age of the positive donors was considerably low, at 25 +/- 9 years. Genotypic testing indicated the presence of genotype 1a (10 %) and genotype 2b (90 %). This study reports on HCV genotypes in a blood donor population in Kenya where little had been done to provide information on HCV genotypes.
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