Phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E virus isolates from Egypt

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute hepatitis globally.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of HEV is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect and genetically characterize Hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolates from sporadic hepatitis E cases in Cairo, Egypt.
• To perform phylogenetic analysis of HEV isolates to understand their evolutionary relationships and geographic origins.

Main Methods:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA was detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in fecal samples.
• Complete sequences of the open reading frame (ORF)-2 and ORF-3 regions were determined for HEV isolates.
• Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using neighbor joining and maximum parsimony methods on four genomic regions.

Main Results:

• HEV genome was successfully detected in two sporadic hepatitis E cases in Cairo, Egypt.
• Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a clear correlation between HEV evolutionary trees and the geographic origin of isolates.
• Egyptian HEV isolates clustered within a distinct African clade, separate from Asian, US, and Mexican genotypes.

Conclusions:

• The study identified and genetically characterized HEV isolates from Egypt, contributing to the understanding of HEV diversity.
• Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the geographic segregation of HEV strains, highlighting the utility of molecular epidemiology in tracing viral origins.
• Egyptian HEV isolates formed a unique African clade, suggesting distinct evolutionary pathways within the continent.