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Frequent detection of hepatitis C virus subtype 3a (HCV-3a) isolates in Thailand by PCR using subtype-specific
C Apichartpiyakul1, H Miyajima, H Doi
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 3a is the most prevalent in Chiang Mai, Thailand, affecting blood donors and liver disease patients. This subtype may possess distinct antigenic properties compared to other major HCV types.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Molecular Biology
- * Epidemiology
Background:
- * Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- * Understanding HCV subtype distribution is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- * Previous studies have indicated regional variations in HCV subtype prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine the prevalence of specific hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- * To investigate the distribution of HCV subtypes in blood donors and patients with liver disease.
- * To analyze potential antigenic differences between prevalent HCV subtypes.
Main Methods:
- * Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method utilizing subtype-specific primers for HCV subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3a.
- * Serotype analysis of HCV isolates using C14-1 and C14-2 recombinant peptides.
Main Results:
- * Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 3a was the most common subtype identified in blood donors and frequently observed in liver disease patients.
- * HCV subtype 1b was also commonly detected, while HCV subtypes 2a and 2b were less prevalent.
- * A significant portion of HCV isolates could not be classified using the employed methods.
- * Serotype analysis suggested that HCV-3a may possess antigenic determinants distinct from HCV-1a, -1b, -2a, and -2b.
Conclusions:
- * HCV subtype 3a is the predominant circulating subtype in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- * The findings highlight the need for continued surveillance of HCV subtypes and their epidemiological characteristics.
- * Potential antigenic differences in HCV-3a warrant further investigation for vaccine development and diagnostic improvements.
Abstract:
By means of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using subtype-specific primers for hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a, the prevalence of each subtype among HCV isolates in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was determined. HCV-3a appeared to be the most common subtype in blood donors, and was also frequently found in patients with liver disease. HCV-1b, but not HCV-2a or -2b, was also commonly found in this area, while a considerable percentage of the total HCV isolates still remained unclassifiable by the above methods. Serotype analysis of the HCV isolates using C14-1 and C14-2 recombinant peptides revealed that HCV-3a was likely to carry an antigenic determinant(s) different from those of the major types 1 (HCV-1a and -1b) and 2 (HCV-2a and -2b).