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Hepatitis C Virus Resistance-Associated Substitutions in Mexico
Alexis Jose-Abrego1,2, Saul Laguna-Meraz1,2, Sonia Roman1,2
1Department of Genomic Medicine in Hepatology, Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara 44280, Mexico.
Viruses
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) show varied distribution across Mexican subtypes, with subtype 1a predominating. Enhanced surveillance is needed to monitor these mutations and genetic diversity for effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) emerge in NS3, NS5A, and NS5B genes, crucial for direct-acting antiviral (DAA) efficacy.
- Understanding RAS prevalence and distribution across HCV subtypes in Mexico is vital for treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and distribution of RASs in different HCV subtypes within Mexico.
- To analyze trends in HCV subtype frequency and identify key resistance mutations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 566 HCV sequences from Genbank, with detailed geographic and subtype data.
- Genomic sequencing data was analyzed to identify specific RASs in the NS3, NS5A, and NS5B genes.
Main Results:
- HCV subtype 1a was predominant (44.0%), followed by 1b (28.6%), 2b (9.5%), and 3a (6.2%).
- Significant regional variations were observed, with higher frequencies of subtypes 1a and 3a in Jalisco compared to Mexico City.
- RASs were detected at low frequencies: NS3 (6.7%), NS5A (2.9%), and NS5B (0.3%), with Q80K, Y93H, and S282T being the most common mutations.
Conclusions:
- Mexico's current HCV sequencing surveillance is limited, necessitating improvement.
- Subtype 1a is the dominant HCV subtype, but its prevalence varies geographically.
- Establishing regional sequencing centers is crucial for monitoring DAA-resistant mutations and HCV genetic diversity in Mexico.
