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Ahovègbé L, Shah R, Kpossou AR, Davis C, Niebel M, Filipe A, Goldstein E, Alassan KS, Keke R, Sehonou J, Kodjoh N, Gbedo SE, Ray S, Wilkie C, Vattipally S, Tong L, Kamba PF, Gbenoudon SJ, Gunson R, Ogwang P, Thomson EC. Hepatitis C virus diversity and treatment outcomes in Benin: a prospective cohort study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024:S2666-5247(24)00041-7. [PMID: 38889738 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(24)00041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 10 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in sub-Saharan Africa. The assessment of viral genotypes and treatment response in this region is necessary to achieve the WHO target of worldwide elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HCV genotypes and outcomes of treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents in Benin, a country with a national HCV seroprevalence of 4%. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted at two referral hospitals in Benin. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were seropositive for HCV and willing to consent to participation in the study; exclusion criteria were an inability to give consent or incarceration. Viraemia was confirmed by PCR. The primary outcomes were to identify HCV genotypes and measure sustained virological response rates 12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12) with a 12-week course of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir or sofosbuvir-ledipasvir, with or without ribavirin. We conducted phylogenetic and resistance analyses after the next-generation sequencing of samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) value of 30 or fewer cycles. The in-vitro efficacy of NS5A inhibitors was tested using a subgenomic replicon assay. FINDINGS Between June 2, 2019, and Dec 30, 2020, 148 individuals were screened for eligibility, of whom 100 were recruited prospectively to the study. Plasma samples from 79 (79%) of the 100 participants were positive for HCV by PCR. At the time of the study, 52 (66%) of 79 patients had completed treatment, with an SVR12 rate of 94% (49 of 52). 57 (72%) of 79 samples had a Ct value of 30 or fewer cycles and were suitable for whole-genome sequencing, from which we characterised 29 (51%) samples as genotype 1 and 28 (49%) as genotype 2. Three new genotype 1 subtypes (1q, 1r, and 1s) and one new genotype 2 subtype (2xa) were identified. The most commonly detected subtype was 2d (12 [21%] of 57 samples), followed by 1s (eight [14%]), 1r (five [9%]), 1b (four [7%]), 1q (three [5%]), 2xa (three [5%]), and 2b (two [3%]). 20 samples (11 genotype 2 and nine genotype 1) were unassigned new singleton lineages. 53 (93%) of 57 sequenced samples had at least two resistance-associated substitutions within the NS5A gene. Subtype 2d was associated with a lower-than-expected SVR12 rate (eight [80%] of ten patients). For one patient, with subtype 2b, treatment was not successful. INTERPRETATION This study revealed a high SVR rate in Benin among individuals treated for HCV with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, including those with highly diverse viral genotypes. Further studies of treatment effectiveness in genotypes 2d and 2b are indicated. FUNDING Medical Research Council, Wellcome, Global Challenges Research Fund, Academy of Medical Sciences, and PHARMBIOTRAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrèce Ahovègbé
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rajiv Shah
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aboudou Raïmi Kpossou
- Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Chris Davis
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marc Niebel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ana Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emily Goldstein
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - René Keke
- Programme National de Lutte contre le SIDA, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Jean Sehonou
- Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nicolas Kodjoh
- Programme National de Lutte contre les Hépatites, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Surajit Ray
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Wilkie
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Lily Tong
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pakoyo F Kamba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S Judith Gbenoudon
- Laboratory of Immunology, Infectious and Allergic Diseases, Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patrick Ogwang
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Rajhi M, Haddad-Boubaker S, Chouikha A, Bourquain D, Michel J, Hammami W, Sadraoui A, Touzi H, Ghedira K, Triki H. Identification of two novel hepatitis C virus subtype 2 from Tunisia (2v and 2w). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248249. [PMID: 33705445 PMCID: PMC7951806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a high genetic diversity. Eight genotypes and 90 subtypes are currently described. Genotypes are clinically significant for therapeutic management and their determination is necessary for epidemiological studies. Methods Tunisian patients plasma samples (n = 6) with unassigned HCV-2 subtype using partial sequencing in the NS5B and Core/E1 regions were analyzed by realizing whole-genome sequencing analysis. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assign subtypes. Results Phylogenetic analysis of the full genome sequences of Tunisian strains shows two subtypes within HCV-2. These later were genetically distinct from all previously established HCV-2 subtypes with nucleotide divergence greater than 15% (20% -31%). These two subtypes are proposed as new subtypes 2v and 2w. Conclusions The discovery of two new HCV-2 subtypes circulating in the Tunisian population confirms the great diversity of HCV-2 viruses and increases the total number of HCV-2 subtypes from 21 to 23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Rajhi
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sondes Haddad-Boubaker
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Anissa Chouikha
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Daniel Bourquain
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens–Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Michel
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens–Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Berlin, Germany
| | - Walid Hammami
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Sadraoui
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hinda Touzi
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kais Ghedira
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics (LR16IPT09), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Henda Triki
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles, for EMR, Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Virus, Vector and Host (LR20IPT10), Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
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Cell Culture Studies of the Efficacy and Barrier to Resistance of Sofosbuvir-Velpatasvir and Glecaprevir-Pibrentasvir against Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 2a, 2b, and 2c. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01888-19. [PMID: 31818814 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01888-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of highly efficient therapies with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection offers exceptional opportunities to globally control this deadly disease. For achieving this ambitious goal, it is essential to prevent antiviral resistance against the most optimal first-line and retreatment DAA choices. We performed independent comparisons of the efficacy and barrier to resistance of pangenotypic DAA regimens for HCV genotype 2 infections, using previously and newly developed efficient cell culture-adapted strains of subtypes 2a, 2b, and 2c. With the applied experimental cell culture conditions, combination treatment with the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir or glecaprevir-pibrentasvir DAA regimen was efficient in eradicating HCV infections; in contrast, single-drug treatments frequently led to viral escape. Sequence analysis of drug targets from recovered viruses revealed known resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) emerging in the NS3 protease or NS5A after treatment failure. These RAS were genetically stable after viral passage, and viruses with these RAS exhibited significant phenotypic resistance. After sofosbuvir treatment failure, only a genotype 2a virus harbored NS5B RAS S282T and thus had decreased susceptibility to nucleotide analogs (nucs). However, in most cases, viral escape from sofosbuvir led to other NS5B substitutions but drug susceptibility was maintained, and in one case, no changes in NS5B were detected. For a genotype 2b virus, after treatment failure with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, the efficacy of retreatment with glecaprevir-pibrentasvir was maintained due to the high barrier to resistance and low cross-resistance of pibrentasvir. Our findings suggest the slight superiority of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir against genotype 2b in culture, which could have potential therapeutic interest meriting more definitive investigations in the clinic.
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Rajhi M, Ghedira K, Chouikha A, Djebbi A, Cheikh I, Ben Yahia A, Sadraoui A, Hammami W, Azouz M, Ben Mami N, Triki H. Phylogenetic Analysis and Epidemic History of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 in Tunisia, North Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153761. [PMID: 27100294 PMCID: PMC4839596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
HCV genotype 2 (HCV-2) has a worldwide distribution with prevalence rates that vary from country to country. High genetic diversity and long-term endemicity were suggested in West African countries. A global dispersal of HCV-2 would have occurred during the 20th century, especially in European countries. In Tunisia, genotype 2 was the second prevalent genotype after genotype 1 and most isolates belong to subtypes 2c and 2k. In this study, phylogenetic analyses based on the NS5B genomic sequences of 113 Tunisian HCV isolates from subtypes 2c and 2k were carried out. A Bayesian coalescent-based framework was used to estimate the origin and the spread of these subtypes circulating in Tunisia. Phylogenetic analyses of HCV-2c sequences suggest the absence of country-specific or time-specific variants. In contrast, the phylogenetic grouping of HCV-2k sequences shows the existence of two major genetic clusters that may represent two distinct circulating variants. Coalescent analysis indicated a most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of Tunisian HCV-2c around 1886 (1869-1902) before the introduction of HCV-2k in 1901 (1867-1931). Our findings suggest that the introduction of HCV-2c in Tunisia is possibly a result of population movements between Tunisia and European population following the French colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Rajhi
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Carthage, Faculty of Sciences, Bizerte, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kais Ghedira
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Mathematics and Statistics, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, 1036, Tunisia
| | - Anissa Chouikha
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Djebbi
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imed Cheikh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Hospital of Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Ben Yahia
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Sadraoui
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Walid Hammami
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Msaddek Azouz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Hospital of Nabeul, Nabeul, Tunisia
| | - Nabil Ben Mami
- Department of Gastroenterology, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Henda Triki
- Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia; Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Regional Reference Laboratory on Poliomyelitis and Measles, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, 1036, Tunisia
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Two unusual hepatitis C virus subtypes, 2j and 2q, in Spain: Identification by nested-PCR and sequencing of a NS5B region. J Virol Methods 2015; 223:105-8. [PMID: 26253334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2015.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have reported the use of the NS5B gene to subtype hepatitis C virus (HCV). Other HCV genes, such as HCV-5' UTR, Core (C) and E1, have also been used. In some studies, NS5B have been used together with 5'-UTR or C genes to improve genotyping results obtained using commercial procedures. Only two studies in Spain have compared molecular techniques versus commercial procedures regarding the efficacy of HCV subtyping. The aim of this study was to determine whether nested PCR and sequencing of a NS5B region was more reliable than commercial procedures to subtype HCV. We analyzed the results of HCV genotyping in [726] serum specimens collected from 2001 to 2013. From 2001 to 2011, we used PCR and INNO-LiPA hybridization or its new version Versant HCV Genotype 2.0 assay (471 samples). From 2012 to 2013, we used nested PCR and sequencing of a NS5B region (255 cases). This method used two pairs of primers to amplify the RNA of the sample converted to DNA by retrotranscription. The amplification product of 270 base pairs was further sequenced. To identify the subtype, the sequences obtained were compared to those in the international database: http://hcv.lanl.gov./content/sequence/, HCV/ToolsOutline.html and Geno2pheno[hcv] http://hcv.bioinf.mpi-inf.mpg.de/index.php. Nested PCR of a NS5B region and sequencing identified all but one subtype (0.4%, 1/255), differentiated all 1a subtypes from 1b subtypes, and characterized all HCV 2-4 subtypes. This approach also distinguished two subtypes, 2j and 2q, that had rarely been detected previously in Spain. However, commercial procedures failed to subtype 12.7% (60/471) of samples and to genotype 0.6% of specimens (3/471). Nested PCR and sequencing of a NS5B region improved the subtyping of HCV in comparison with classical procedures and identified two rare subtypes in Spain: 2j and 2q. However, full length genome sequencing is recommended to confirm HCV 2j and 2q subtypes.
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Hajji H, Aherfi S, Motte A, Ravaux I, Mokhtari S, Ruiz JM, Poizot-Martin I, Tourres C, Tivoli N, Gérolami R, Tamalet C, Colson P. Diversity of 1,213 hepatitis C virus NS3 protease sequences from a clinical virology laboratory database in Marseille university hospitals, southeastern France. J Med Virol 2015; 87:1921-33. [PMID: 25959702 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major public health concern worldwide. Recent therapeutic advances have been considerable, HCV genotype continuing to guide therapeutic management. Since 2008, HCV genotyping in our clinical microbiology laboratory at university hospitals of Marseille, Southeastern France, has been based on NS3 protease gene population sequencing, to allow concurrent HCV genotype and protease inhibitor (PI) genotypic resistance determinations. We aimed, first, to analyze the genetic diversity of HCV NS3 protease obtained from blood samples collected between 2003 and 2013 from patients monitored at university hospitals of Marseille and detect possible atypical sequences; and, second, to identify NS3 protease amino acid patterns associated with decreased susceptibility to HCV PIs. A total of 1,213 HCV NS3 protease sequences were available in our laboratory sequence database. We implemented a strategy based on bioinformatic tools to determine whether HCV sequences are representative of our local HCV genetic diversity, or divergent. In our 2003-2012 HCV NS3 protease sequence database, we delineated 32 clusters representative of the majority HCV genetic diversity, and 61 divergent sequences. Five of these divergent sequences showed less than 85% nucleotide identity with their top GenBank hit. In addition, among the 294 sequences obtained in 2013, three were divergent relative to these 32 previously delineated clusters. Finally, we detected both natural and on-treatment genotypic resistance to HCV NS3 PIs, including a substantial prevalence of Q80K substitutions associated with decreased susceptibility to simeprevir, a second generation PI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Hajji
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1905, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Motte
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Ravaux
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Conception, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Saadia Mokhtari
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marie Ruiz
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpitaux Sud, Service de Médecine en milieu pénitentiaire, Centre pénitentiaire de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Poizot-Martin
- AP-HM Sainte-Marguerite, Service d'Immuno-hématologie clinique, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, UMR 912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France
| | - Christian Tourres
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Natacha Tivoli
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - René Gérolami
- Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Conception, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Tamalet
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1905, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1905, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
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Aherfi S, Glazunova O, Borentain P, Botta-Fridlund D, Chiche L, Bregigeon S, Motte A, Tamalet C, Colson P. Hepatitis C virus of subtype 2l in Marseille, southeastern France. Intervirology 2015; 58:6-13. [PMID: 25592333 DOI: 10.1159/000369015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of eradication of chronic hepatitis C considerably increases with direct-acting antiviral agents, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase inhibitors. While implementing full-length HCV NS5B polymerase sequencing in our clinical microbiology laboratory, we identified atypical HCV sequences, classified as subtype 2l, from 2 patients. HCV-2l NS5B polymerase sequences were detected from 5 and 14 additional patients by screening our laboratory hepatitis virus sequence database and the NCBI GenBank sequence database. Phylogenetic analyses show unambiguously that all HCV-2l sequences are clustered apart from HCV 2 non-l sequences, which compose a second cluster. Mean (±SD) nucleotide identity between near full-length NS5B fragments of subtype 2l was 93.4 ± 0.8% (range: 92.4-95.1). Of note, all HCV-2l sequences obtained in our laboratory and in other centers were from serum samples collected in France. Analysis of the HCV-2l NS5B polymerase amino acid sequences at 30 positions critical for interaction with or resistance to HCV polymerase inhibitors showed specific patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Aherfi
- URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Back to the origin of HCV 2c subtype and spreading to the Calabria region (Southern Italy) over the last two centuries: a phylogenetic study. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 26:352-8. [PMID: 24973737 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Circulation of HCV genotype 2 has been described in European Countries where numerous subtypes and unclassified HCV 2 lineages have been reported. In Italy, subtype 1b is the most prevalent, followed by genotype 2. In the present study, phylogeny of HCV 2c was investigated. The phylogeny of HCV 2c isolated from 54 Italian patients in the Calabria region (Southern Italy) was investigated by analyzing a fragment of the NS5B gene. Patients came from 5 metropolitan areas and a small village (Sersale). These areas were geographically dispersed throughout the entire region. A Bayesian coalescent-based framework was used to estimate origin and spreading of HCV 2c in this region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 28 Italian sequences were intermixed with foreign HCV 2c reference sequences and grouped into 3 major clades: A, B, and C. Nineteen inter-clade sequences were associated uniquely with surgery as risk factor for HCV acquisition. By contrast, a sub-cluster within clade B was associated with blood transfusion. Moreover, sequences from Sersale village grouped in the Italian sub-cluster and were intermixed with 10 sequences from metropolitan areas. The three isolates with the longest branch came from Sersale and belonged to patients who had glass syringes as risk factor. HCV 2c isolates from the Calabria region shared a common ancestor whose origin was traced back to 1889. Our results suggest that, after its introduction - possibly as a result of population movements between Italy and African Countries during Italian colonialism - HCV 2c spread through multiple risk factors, not including intravenous drug use. So, transmission chains followed a pathway different from other European Countries. Although HCV incidence is decreasing, these ways are still ongoing, possibly justifying stability in the relative prevalence of HCV 2c.
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