Maunye TK, Gededzha MP, Blackard JT, Rakgole JN, Selabe SG. Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 5 Variability in Treatment-Naïve Patients in South Africa.
Intervirology 2023;
66:77-87. [PMID:
37231989 PMCID:
PMC10353306 DOI:
10.1159/000528178]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 5 was originally identified in South Africa, where it represents 35-60% of all HCV infections. There are limited data on resistance-associated variants (RAVs) in South Africa. Thus, we investigated variability within the NS3/NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B genes of treatment-naïve individuals with HCV genotype 5 infection at the Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Pretoria, South Africa.
METHODS
Nested PCR was performed to amplify the NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B genes. RAVs were evaluated using the Geno2pheno tool.
RESULTS
In the NS3/4A gene, F56S and T122A were detected in one sample each. The D168E mutation was detected in 7 samples. Within the NS5A gene, the T62M mutation was detected in 2 individuals. In the NS5B gene, 8 of 12 individuals (67%) had the A421V mutation, while all 12 individuals (100%) had the S486A mutation.
DISCUSSION
RAVs were detected frequently among treatment-naïve individuals with HCV genotype 5 infection in South Africa. Thus, resistance testing may be prudent when initiating treatment of patients with genotype 5 infection. Additional population-based studies are needed to understand the prevalence of these RAVs during HCV genotype 5 infection.
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