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The origin of hepatitis C virus genotypes
D B Smith1, S Pathirana, F Davidson
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, UK. dbs@srv1.med.ed.ac.uk
The Journal of General Virology
|February 1, 1997
Summary
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) common ancestor is older than previously believed. Analysis suggests subtype 1b diverged 70-80 years ago, with major genotypes originating 500-2000 years ago.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Evolution
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High substitution rates in RNA viruses can lead to underestimations of divergence times.
- Previous estimates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) origins may be inaccurate due to extrapolation from short-term data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-estimate the time of origin for the common ancestor of hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- To investigate the evolutionary history and divergence times of HCV subtypes and genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of E1 and NS5B genes from HCV isolates within a specific cohort.
- Analysis of sequence variation, accounting for substitution biases (synonymous transitions).
- Comparative analysis with sequences from an infective batch and related viral data.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 1b variants are estimated to have diverged 70-80 years ago.
- The emergence of numerous HCV subtypes is proposed to stem from over 300 years of endemicity.
- Major HCV genotypes (1-6) likely diverged between 500 and 2000 years ago.
Conclusions:
- The common ancestor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is significantly older than previously estimated.
- Recent spread of certain HCV subtypes globally is suggested, following long-term endemicity.
- The evolutionary history of HCV spans millennia, with substantial divergence among major genotypes.