Determination of hepatitis C virus subtype prevalent in Sindh, Pakistan: a phylogenetic analysis

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge, with increasing prevalence and severe liver-related complications like cirrhosis and cancer.
• Pakistan faces a growing burden of HCV cases, necessitating regional epidemiological studies.
• Understanding HCV genotype distribution is vital for effective disease management and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and distribution of Hepatitis C virus genotypes in the Sindh province of Pakistan.
• To identify the predominant HCV genotypes circulating in the region through molecular analysis.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from HCV-positive patients in Sindh were collected and screened for HCV antibodies using ELISA.
• HCV RNA-positive samples were subjected to genotyping via Sanger sequencing of the 5' Untranslated Region (UTR).
• Phylogenetic analysis and comparison with NCBI database reference sequences were performed to identify HCV genotypes.

Main Results:

• Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of HCV isolates belonged to genotypes 3a and 3b.
• One isolate was identified as genotype 1a, while no isolates clustered with genotypes 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
• The study suggests that HCV genotype 3a is endemic in the Sindh region, with high sequence similarity (98%) to reference strains.

Conclusions:

• HCV genotype 3a is the predominant genotype in Sindh, Pakistan.
• Sequencing of the HCV 5' UTR is effective for identifying prevalent genotypes.
• Further research across Pakistan is recommended to guide improved screening, treatment, and prevention strategies.