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Genotypic distribution of hepatitis C virus in different regions of Thailand
D Kanistanon1, M Neelamek, T Dharakul
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3a is most common in Thai blood donors, followed by 1b and 6. This study analyzed HCV genotypes in Thailand, finding a consistent distribution across regions.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Epidemiology
- * Public Health
Background:
- * Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- * Understanding the genotypic distribution of HCV is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- * Previous studies have indicated regional variations in HCV genotypes worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine the genotypic distribution of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors across four major regions of Thailand.
- * To investigate potential correlations between HCV genotypes and donor demographics.
- * To assess the similarity of HCV genotypic patterns within Thailand.
Main Methods:
- * Reverse hybridization assays were employed to analyze HCV genotypes.
- * PCR amplification of the 5' noncoding and core regions of the viral genome.
- * Hybridization with genotype- and subtype-specific probes immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes.
Main Results:
- * Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected in 71% of 332 anti-HCV-positive plasma samples.
- * HCV genotype 3a was the most prevalent (39%), followed by genotype 1b (20%) and genotype 6 variants (18%).
- * HCV genotype 1a accounted for 9% of isolates, with other genotypes being uncommon. No significant age differences were observed among donors with different HCV genotypes.
Conclusions:
- * HCV genotype 3a is the predominant genotype among blood donors in Thailand.
- * The genotypic distribution of HCV in Thailand shows a relatively uniform pattern across different regions.
- * Findings support the need for regionally tailored HCV management strategies based on prevalent genotypes.
Abstract:
The genotypic distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolated from blood donors from four major regions of Thailand was studied by reverse hybridization assays. PCR-amplified products from the 5' noncoding and core regions of the viral genome were hybridized to genotype- and subtype-specific probes which were immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane. Of 332 anti-HCV-positive plasma samples studied, 71% contained HCV RNA. HCV genotype 3a was the most prevalent genotype (39%), followed by genotype 1b (20%) and genotype 6 group variants (18%). HCV genotype 1a was identified among 9% of all isolates. Other genotypes (genotype 1 which was neither 1a nor 1b, genotype 3b, and an unclassified genotype) were uncommon. There was no difference in the mean age of the donors infected with different HCV genotypes. The genotypic distribution pattern of HCV was similar among HCV isolates from different regions of Thailand.