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Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Infections in a Large Belgian Cohort Using Next-Generation Sequencing of

Kasper T Christensen1, Florian Pierard1, David Bonsall2,3

  • 1Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

Viruses
|December 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission persists in men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs. HCV4d and HCV1a show high clustering, particularly in HIV-positive men who have sex with men, indicating ongoing transmission challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in Western countries is driven by specific populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID).
  • Understanding transmission dynamics within these key communities is vital for achieving HCV elimination goals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze HCV transmission patterns and identify prevalent subtypes within at-risk populations.
  • To investigate the association between specific HCV subtypes and HIV-positive MSM.
  • To assess progress towards HCV elimination by examining transmission clusters.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of 269 HCV plasma samples using probe enrichment and next-generation sequencing.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of four prevalent HCV subtypes (1a, 1b, 3a, 4d).
  • Transmission cluster analysis to identify linked infections.

Main Results:

  • HCV4d exhibited the highest clustering rate (76.47%), followed by HCV1a (53.85%), which was significantly associated with HIV-positive MSM.
  • HCV1b and HCV3a showed very low clustering rates (2.41% and 0%, respectively), suggesting curtailed spread.
  • Onwards transmission of HCV1a and HCV4d was demonstrated in HIV-positive MSM across municipal borders.

Conclusions:

  • The spread of HCV1b appears to be largely controlled, while HCV1a and HCV4d continue to be transmitted, particularly within the HIV-positive MSM community.
  • Targeted interventions and enhanced surveillance are necessary to address ongoing HCV transmission among PWID and MSM.
  • Further systematic data collection and sequencing are crucial for understanding and overcoming barriers to HCV elimination in Belgium.

Keywords:
full-genome sequencinghepatitis chuman immunodeficiency virusmen who have sex with mennext-generation sequencingpeople who inject drugsphylogenetic analysis

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