1
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Yakovleva A, Kovalenko G, Redlinger M, Smyrnov P, Tymets O, Korobchuk A, Kotlyk L, Kolodiazieva A, Podolina A, Cherniavska S, Antonenko P, Strathdee SA, Friedman SR, Goodfellow I, Wertheim JO, Bortz E, Meredith L, Vasylyeva TI. Hepatitis C Virus in people with experience of injection drug use following their displacement to Southern Ukraine before 2020. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:446. [PMID: 37400776 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08423-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to practical challenges associated with genetic sequencing in low-resource environments, the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in forcibly displaced people is understudied. We examined the use of field applicable HCV sequencing methods and phylogenetic analysis to determine HCV transmission dynamics in internally displaced people who inject drugs (IDPWID) in Ukraine. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we used modified respondent-driven sampling to recruit IDPWID who were displaced to Odesa, Ukraine, before 2020. We generated partial and near full length genome (NFLG) HCV sequences using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) MinION in a simulated field environment. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods were used to establish phylodynamic relationships. RESULTS Between June and September 2020, we collected epidemiological data and whole blood samples from 164 IDPWID (PNAS Nexus.2023;2(3):pgad008). Rapid testing (Wondfo® One Step HCV; Wondfo® One Step HIV1/2) identified an anti-HCV seroprevalence of 67.7%, and 31.1% of participants tested positive for both anti-HCV and HIV. We generated 57 partial or NFLG HCV sequences and identified eight transmission clusters, of which at least two originated within a year and a half post-displacement. CONCLUSIONS Locally generated genomic data and phylogenetic analysis in rapidly changing low-resource environments, such as those faced by forcibly displaced people, can help inform effective public health strategies. For example, evidence of HCV transmission clusters originating soon after displacement highlights the importance of implementing urgent preventive interventions in ongoing situations of forced displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Yakovleva
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ganna Kovalenko
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Matthew Redlinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ian Goodfellow
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joel O Wertheim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Bortz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Luke Meredith
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tetyana I Vasylyeva
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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2
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The Transmission Route and Selection Pressure in HCV Subtype 3a and 3b Chinese Infections: Evolutionary Kinetics and Selective Force Analysis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071514. [PMID: 35891494 PMCID: PMC9324606 DOI: 10.3390/v14071514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 (GT-3) represents 22–30% of all infections and is the second most common genotype among all HCV genotypes. It has two main subtypes, GT-3a and GT-3b, that present epidemiological differences in transmission groups. This report generated 56 GT-3a and 64 GT-3b whole-genome sequences to conduct an evolutionary kinetics and selective force analysis with reference sequences from various countries. Evolutionary analysis showed that HCV GT-3a worldwide might have been transmitted from the Indian subcontinent to South Asia, Europe, North America and then become endemic in China. In China, GT-3a may have been transmitted by intravenous drug users (IDUs) and become endemic in the general population, while GT-3b may have originated from IDUs and then underwent mutual transmission between blood donors (BDs) and IDUs, ultimately becoming independently endemic in IDUs. Furthermore, the spread of GT-3a and GT-3b sequences from BD and IDU populations exhibit different selective pressures: the proportion of positively selected sites (PPSs) in E1 and E2 from IDUs was higher than in BDs. The number of positive selection sites was higher in GT-3b and IDUs. These results indicate that different selective constraints act along with the GT-3a and GT-3b genomes from IDUs and BDs. In addition, GT-3a and GT-3b have different transmission routes in China, which allows us to formulate specific HCV prevention and control strategies in China.
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3
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Tariq M, Shoukat AB, Akbar S, Hameed S, Naqvi MZ, Azher A, Saad M, Rizwan M, Nadeem M, Javed A, Ali A, Aziz S. Epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis associated with a superbug: A comprehensive literature review on hepatitis C virus infection. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221105957. [PMID: 35795865 PMCID: PMC9252020 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221105957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern. It is associated with life threatening conditions including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C virus infects around 71 million people annually, resultantly 700,000 deaths worldwide. Extrahepatic associated chronic hepatitis C virus accounts for one fourth of total healthcare load. This review included a total of 150 studies that revealed almost 19 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus and 240,000 new cases are being reported each year. This trend is continually rising in developing countries like Pakistan where intravenous drug abuse, street barbers, unsafe blood transfusions, use of unsterilized surgical instruments and recycled syringes plays a major role in virus transmission. Almost 123–180 million people are found to be hepatitis C virus infected or carrier that accounts for 2%–3% of world’s population. The general symptoms of hepatitis C virus infection include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, anorexia, fever malaise, nausea and constipation varying on severity and chronicity of infection. More than 90% of hepatitis C virus infected patients are treated with direct-acting antiviral agents that prevent progression of liver disease, decreasing the elevation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Standardizing the healthcare techniques, minimizing the street practices, and screening for viral hepatitis on mass levels for early diagnosis and prompt treatment may help in decreasing the burden on already fragmented healthcare system. However, more advanced studies on larger populations focusing on mode of transmission and treatment protocols are warranted to understand and minimize the overall infection and death stigma among masses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehlayl Tariq
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abu Bakar Shoukat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sedrah Akbar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Samaia Hameed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muniba Zainab Naqvi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Azher
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,BreathMAT Lab, IAD, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nadeem
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anum Javed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asad Ali
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Aziz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,BreathMAT Lab, IAD, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad, Pakistan
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4
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Shah R, Ahovegbe L, Niebel M, Shepherd J, Thomson EC. Non-epidemic HCV genotypes in low- and middle-income countries and the risk of resistance to current direct-acting antiviral regimens. J Hepatol 2021; 75:462-473. [PMID: 33974951 PMCID: PMC8310923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an extremely diverse virus, subtypes of which are distributed variably around the world. Viral genotypes may be divided into epidemic subtypes; those that have become prevalent globally, and endemic subtypes that have a more limited distribution, mainly in Africa and Asia. The high variability of endemic strains reflects evolutionary origins in the locations where they are found. This increased genetic diversity raises the possibility of resistance to pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral regimens. While many endemic subtypes respond well to direct-acting antiviral therapies, others, for example genotypes 1l, 3b and 4r, do not respond as well as predicted. Many genotypes that are rare in high-income countries but common in other parts of the world have not yet been fully assessed in clinical trials. Further sequencing and clinical studies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are indicated to monitor response to treatment and to facilitate the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Shah
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucrece Ahovegbe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Marc Niebel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - James Shepherd
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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5
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Cagliani R, Forni D, Sironi M. Mode and tempo of human hepatitis virus evolution. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:1384-1395. [PMID: 31768229 PMCID: PMC6872792 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human viral hepatitis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is caused by highly diverse viruses with different genetic, ecological, and pathogenetic features. Technological advances that allow throughput sequencing of viral genomes, as well as the development of computational tools to analyze such genome data, have largely expanded our knowledge on the host range and evolutionary history of human hepatitis viruses. Thus, with the exclusion of hepatitis D virus, close or distant relatives of these human pathogens were identified in a number of domestic and wild mammals. Also, sequences of human viral strains isolated from different geographic locations and over different time-spans have allowed the application of phylogeographic and molecular dating approaches to large viral phylogenies. In this review, we summarize the most recent insights into our understanding of the evolutionary events and ecological contexts that determined the origin and spread of human hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Cagliani
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Diego Forni
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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6
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Chen M, Zheng F, Yuan G, Duan X, Rong L, Liu J, Feng S, Wang Z, Wang M, Feng Y, Zhou Q, Li J, Deng K, Li C, Xia J, Rao G, Zhou Y, Fu Y, Li YP. Development of an Infectious Cell Culture System for Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 6a Clinical Isolate Using a Novel Strategy and Its Sensitivity to Direct-Acting Antivirals. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2950. [PMID: 30564209 PMCID: PMC6288186 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is classified into seven major genotypes, and genotype 6 is commonly prevalent in Asia, thus reverse genetic system representing genotype 6 isolates in prevalence is required. Here, we developed an infectious clone for a Chinese HCV 6a isolate (CH6a) using a novel strategy. We determined CH6a consensus sequence from patient serum and assembled a CH6a full-length (CH6aFL) cDNA using overlapped PCR product-derived clones that shared the highest homology with the consensus. CH6aFL was non-infectious in hepatoma Huh7.5 cells. Next, we constructed recombinants containing Core-NS5A or 5′UTR-NS5A from CH6a and the remaining sequences from JFH1 (genotype 2a), and both were engineered with 7 mutations identified previously. However, they replicated inefficiently without virus spread in Huh7.5 cells. Addition of adaptive mutations from CH6a Core-NS2 recombinant, with JFH1 5′UTR and NS3-3′UTR, enhanced the viability of Core-NS5A recombinant and acquired replication-enhancing mutations. Combination of 22 mutations in CH6a recombinant with JFH1 5′UTR and 3′UTR (CH6aORF) enabled virus replication and recovered additional four mutations. Adding these four mutations, we generated two efficient recombinants containing 26 mutations (26m), CH6aORF_26m and CH6aFL_26m (designated “CH6acc”), releasing HCV of 104.3–104.5 focus-forming units (FFU)/ml in Huh7.5.1-VISI-mCherry and Huh7.5 cells. Seven newly identified mutations were important for HCV replication, assembly, and release. The CH6aORF_26m virus was inhibited in a dose- and genotype-dependent manner by direct-acting-antivirals targeting NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B. The CH6acc enriches the toolbox of HCV culture systems, and the strategy and mutations applied here will facilitate the culture development of other HCV isolates and related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Chen
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuxiang Zheng
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Duan
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Rong
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengjun Feng
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziting Wang
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yetong Feng
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinqian Li
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunna Li
- Program of Pathobiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinyu Xia
- Program of Pathobiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Guirong Rao
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Center of Infectious Diseases, PLA 458 Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanping Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yi-Ping Li
- Institute of Human Virology and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Program of Pathobiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
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7
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Forni D, Cagliani R, Pontremoli C, Pozzoli U, Vertemara J, De Gioia L, Clerici M, Sironi M. Evolutionary Analysis Provides Insight Into the Origin and Adaptation of HCV. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:854. [PMID: 29765366 PMCID: PMC5938362 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to the Hepacivirus genus and is genetically heterogeneous, with seven major genotypes further divided into several recognized subtypes. HCV origin was previously dated in a range between ∼200 and 1000 years ago. Hepaciviruses have been identified in several domestic and wild mammals, the largest viral diversity being observed in bats and rodents. The closest relatives of HCV were found in horses/donkeys (equine hepaciviruses, EHV). However, the origin of HCV as a human pathogen is still an unsolved puzzle. Using a selection-informed evolutionary model, we show that the common ancestor of extant HCV genotypes existed at least 3000 years ago (CI: 3192–5221 years ago), with the oldest genotypes being endemic to Asia. EHV originated around 1100 CE (CI: 291–1640 CE). These time estimates exclude that EHV transmission was mainly sustained by widespread veterinary practices and suggest that HCV originated from a single zoonotic event with subsequent diversification in human populations. We also describe a number of biologically important sites in the major HCV genotypes that have been positively selected and indicate that drug resistance-associated variants are significantly enriched at positively selected sites. HCV exploits several cell-surface molecules for cell entry, but only two of these (CD81 and OCLN) determine the species-specificity of infection. Herein evolutionary analyses do not support a long-standing association between primates and hepaciviruses, and signals of positive selection at CD81 were only observed in Chiroptera. No evidence of selection was detected for OCLN in any mammalian order. These results shed light on the origin of HCV and provide a catalog of candidate genetic modulators of HCV phenotypic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Forni
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS E.Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rachele Cagliani
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS E.Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Chiara Pontremoli
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS E.Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS E.Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vertemara
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca De Gioia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Don C. Gnocchi Foundation Onlus, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS E.Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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8
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Minichini C, Starace M, De Pascalis S, Macera M, Occhiello L, Caroprese M, Vitrone M, Iovinella V, Guerrera B, Masarone M, Coppola N. HCV genotype-3h, a difficult-to-diagnose sub-genotype in the DAA era. Antivir Ther 2018; 23:605-609. [PMID: 29504510 DOI: 10.3851/imp3228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No data are available on the clinical presentation and virological pattern in the case of failure of interferon (IFN)-free regimens in patients with genotype-3h. In this paper authors identified the virological and clinical characteristics of patients with genotype-3h treated with suboptimal or not indicated IFN-free regimens for the misclassification of HCV genotype. METHODS A total of 87 consecutive patients with failure to an IFN-free regimen were re-tested for HCV genotype by HCV NS5B sequencing; the 26 patients identified as harbouring HCV-3 were enrolled. RESULTS Of the 26 patients enrolled, 4 (15.4%) harboured sub-genotype-3h and 22 (84.6%) 3a. All patients were Italian. Patients with genotype-3a infection were younger (median age 56 years, range 47-78) compared to those with genotype-3h infection (median 74 years, range 65-79; P<0.006). With regard to the failed direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-regimens, three of the four patients with genotype-3h (75%) had been treated with an ineffective DAA regimen (paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir ± ribavirin for 3 months) more frequently than those with genotype-3a (13.6%; P=0.02), because of previous erroneous identification of HCV-1 genotype. NS5A resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) were observed in 10 (45.4%) genotype-3a-infected patients and in 2 (50%) with genotype-3h. NS5B RASs were observed in only two genotype-3a-infected patients and in none of the 3h-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS This is the first time genotype-3h has been identified in Italian patients failing an IFN-free regimen, in the majority of cases because of a misclassification of the HCV genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Minichini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Starace
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania De Pascalis
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Macera
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Occhiello
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mara Caroprese
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Vitrone
- Internal Medicine, University of Campania & AORN Ospedali dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Guerrera
- Internal Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Masarone
- Gastroenterology Unit, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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9
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Ordeig L, Garcia-Cehic D, Gregori J, Soria ME, Nieto-Aponte L, Perales C, Llorens M, Chen Q, Riveiro-Barciela M, Buti M, Esteban R, Esteban JI, Rodriguez-Frias F, Quer J. New hepatitis C virus genotype 1 subtype naturally harbouring resistance-associated mutations to NS5A inhibitors. J Gen Virol 2018; 99:97-102. [PMID: 29239718 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a highly divergent virus currently classified into seven major genotypes and 86 subtypes (ICTV, June 2017), which can have differing responses to therapy. Accurate genotyping/subtyping using high-resolution HCV subtyping enables confident subtype identification, identifies mixed infections and allows detection of new subtypes. During routine genotyping/subtyping, one sample from an Equatorial Guinea patient could not be classified into any of the subtypes. The complete genomic sequence was compared to reference sequences by phylogenetic and sliding window analysis. Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) were assessed by deep sequencing. The unclassified HCV genome did not belong to any of the existing genotype 1 (G1) subtypes. Sliding window analysis along the complete genome ruled out recombination phenomena suggesting that it belongs to a new HCV G1 subtype. Two NS5A RASs (L31V+Y93H) were found to be naturally combined in the genome which could limit treatment possibilities in patients infected with this subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ordeig
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damir Garcia-Cehic
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Gregori
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Roche Diagnostics SL, Sant Cugat del Vallès, 08174, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Eugenia Soria
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Nieto-Aponte
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, HUVH, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Celia Perales
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell Llorens
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Qian Chen
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Esteban
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Esteban
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodriguez-Frias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, HUVH, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Quer
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR)-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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New insights into HCV replication in original cells from Aedes mosquitoes. Virol J 2017; 14:161. [PMID: 28830495 PMCID: PMC5567567 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0828-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existing literature about HCV association with, and replication in mosquitoes is extremely poor. To fill this gap, we performed cellular investigations aimed at exploring (i) the capacity of HCV E1E2 glycoproteins to bind on Aedes mosquito cells and (ii) the ability of HCV serum particles (HCVsp) to replicate in these cell lines. METHODS First, we used purified E1E2 expressing baculovirus-derived HCV pseudo particles (bacHCVpp) so we could investigate their association with mosquito cell lines from Aedes aegypti (Aag-2) and Aedes albopictus (C6/36). We initiated a series of infections of both mosquito cells (Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus) with the HCVsp (Lat strain - genotype 3) and we observed the evolution dynamics of viral populations within cells over the course of infection via next-generation sequencing (NGS) experiments. RESULTS Our binding assays revealed bacHCVpp an association with the mosquito cells, at comparable levels obtained with human hepatocytes (HepaRG cells) used as a control. In our infection experiments, the HCV RNA (+) were detectable by RT-PCR in the cells between 21 and 28 days post-infection (p.i.). In human hepatocytes HepaRG and Ae aegypti insect cells, NGS experiments revealed an increase of global viral diversity with a selection for a quasi-species, suggesting a structuration of the population with elimination of deleterious mutations. The evolutionary pattern in Ae albopictus insect cells is different (stability of viral diversity and polymorphism). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate for the first time that natural HCV could really replicate within Aedes mosquitoes, a discovery which may have major consequences for public health as well as in vaccine development.
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11
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Bukh J. The history of hepatitis C virus (HCV): Basic research reveals unique features in phylogeny, evolution and the viral life cycle with new perspectives for epidemic control. J Hepatol 2016; 65:S2-S21. [PMID: 27641985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989 permitted basic research to unravel critical components of a complex life cycle for this important human pathogen. HCV is a highly divergent group of viruses classified in 7 major genotypes and a great number of subtypes, and circulating in infected individuals as a continuously evolving quasispecies destined to escape host immune responses and applied antivirals. Despite the inability to culture patient viruses directly in the laboratory, efforts to define the infectious genome of HCV resulted in development of experimental recombinant in vivo and in vitro systems, including replicons and infectious cultures in human hepatoma cell lines. And HCV has become a model virus defining new paradigms in virology, immunology and biology. For example, HCV research discovered that a virus could be completely dependent on microRNA for its replication since microRNA-122 is critical for the HCV life cycle. A number of other host molecules critical for HCV entry and replication have been identified. Thus, basic HCV research revealed important molecules for development of host targeting agents (HTA). The identification and characterization of HCV encoded proteins and their functional units contributed to the development of highly effective direct acting antivirals (DAA) against the NS3 protease, NS5A and the NS5B polymerase. In combination, these inhibitors have since 2014 permitted interferon-free therapy with cure rates above 90% among patients with chronic HCV infection; however, viral resistance represents a challenge. Worldwide control of HCV will most likely require the development of a prophylactic vaccine, and numerous candidates have been pursued. Research characterizing features critical for antibody-based virus neutralization and T cell based virus elimination from infected cells is essential for this effort. If the world community promotes an ambitious approach by applying current DAA broadly, continues to develop alternative viral- and host- targeted antivirals to combat resistant variants, and invests in the development of a vaccine, it would be possible to eradicate HCV. This would prevent about 500 thousand deaths annually. However, given the nature of HCV, the millions of new infections annually, a high chronicity rate, and with over 150 million individuals with chronic infection (which are frequently unidentified), this effort remains a major challenge for basic researchers, clinicians and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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12
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Rodrigo C, Eltahla AA, Bull RA, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Applegate T, Page K, Bruneau J, Morris MD, Cox AL, Osburn W, Kim AY, Schinkel J, Shoukry NH, Lauer GM, Maher L, Hellard M, Prins M, Estes C, Razavi H, Lloyd AR, Luciani F. Historical Trends in the Hepatitis C Virus Epidemics in North America and Australia. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1383-1389. [PMID: 27571901 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bayesian evolutionary analysis (coalescent analysis) based on genetic sequences has been used to describe the origins and spread of rapidly mutating RNA viruses, such as influenza, Ebola, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS Full-length subtype 1a and 3a sequences from early HCV infections from the International Collaborative of Incident HIV and Hepatitis C in Injecting Cohorts (InC3), as well as from public databases from a time window of 1977-2012, were used in a coalescent analysis with BEAST software to estimate the origin and progression of the HCV epidemics in Australia and North America. Convergent temporal trends were sought via independent epidemiological modeling. RESULTS The epidemic of subtype 3a had more recent origins (around 1950) than subtype 1a (around 1920) in both continents. In both modeling approaches and in both continents, the epidemics underwent exponential growth between 1955 and 1975, which then stabilized in the late 20th century. CONCLUSIONS Historical events that fuelled the emergence and spread of injecting drug use, such as the advent of intravenous medical therapies and devices, and growth in the heroin trade, as well as population mixing during armed conflicts, were likely drivers for the cross-continental spread of the HCV epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Tanya Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales
| | | | | | - Meghan D Morris
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - William Osburn
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef
| | | | | | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales
| | | | - Maria Prins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef.,GGD Public Health Service of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Estes
- Center for Disease Analysis, Louisville, Colorado
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis, Louisville, Colorado
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine.,The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales
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13
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Analysis of HCV-6 isolates among Asian-born immigrants in North America reveals their high genetic diversity and a new subtype. Virology 2016; 492:25-31. [PMID: 26896932 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We characterized full-length genomes for 15 HCV-6 isolates, all from Asian immigrants living in North America. Among these isolates, nine were novel variants showing >15% nucleotide differences from their nearest relatives, representing lineages distinct from known subtypes. The other six were classified into subtypes 6c, 6h, 6q, 6r, and 6s. The partial sequences were also determined for five additional HCV-6 isolates, three from the US and two from Canada. The latter two were assigned to new subtype 6xf as they were found to classify with two other isolates for which we recently reported their full-length genomes. We further analyzed partial Core-E1 sequences of 100 HCV-6 isolates sampled in North America, seven from the US and 93 from Canada and all from Asian immigrants except for four from Caucasians. These 100 isolates belonged to 20 assigned subtypes and 16 unclassified lineages showing great genetic diversity and enhanced significance to public health.
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14
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Ederth J, Jern C, Norder H, Magnius L, Alm E, Rognsvåg BK, Sundin CG, Brytting M, Esbjörnsson J, Mild M. Molecular characterization of HCV in a Swedish county over 8 years (2002-2009) reveals distinct transmission patterns. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2016; 6:30670. [PMID: 26854010 PMCID: PMC4744866 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v6.30670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern and data on its molecular epidemiology in Sweden is scarce. We carried out an 8-year population-based study of newly diagnosed HCV cases in one of Sweden's centrally situated counties, Södermanland (D-county). The aim was to characterize the HCV strains circulating, analyze their genetic relatedness to detect networks, and in combination with demographic data learn more about transmission. Methods Molecular analyses of serum samples from 91% (N=557) of all newly notified cases in D-county, 2002–2009, were performed. Phylogenetic analysis (NS5B gene, 300 bp) was linked to demographic data from the national surveillance database, SmiNet, to characterize D-county transmission clusters. The linear-by-linear association test (LBL) was used to analyze trends over time. Results The most prevalent subtypes were 1a (38%) and 3a (34%). Subtype 1a was most prevalent among cases transmitted via sexual contact, via contaminated blood, or blood products, while subtype 3a was most prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subtype 3a sequences formed more and larger transmission clusters (50% of the sequences clustered), while the 1a sequences formed smaller clusters (19% of the sequences clustered), possibly suggesting different epidemics. Conclusion We found different transmission patterns in D-county which may, from a public health perspective, have implications for how to control virus infections by targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Ederth
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden;
| | - Camilla Jern
- Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helené Norder
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Magnius
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Alm
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | - Mia Brytting
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Joakim Esbjörnsson
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Nuffield Department Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mattias Mild
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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15
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Chen M, Ma Y, Chen H, Luo H, Dai J, Song L, Yang C, Mei J, Yang L, Dong L, Jia M, Lu L. Multiple Introduction and Naturally Occuring Drug Resistance of HCV among HIV-Infected Intravenous Drug Users in Yunnan: An Origin of China's HIV/HCV Epidemics. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142543. [PMID: 26562015 PMCID: PMC4642981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) epidemic in China historically stemmed from intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Yunnan. Due to a shared transmission route, hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV-1 co-infection is common. Here, we investigated HCV genetic characteristics and baseline drug resistance among HIV-infected IDUs in Yunnan. Methods Blood samples of 432 HIV-1/HCV co-infected IDUs were collected from January to June 2014 in six prefectures of Yunnan Province. Partial E1E2 and NS5B genes were sequenced. Phylogenetic, evolutionary and genotypic drug resistance analyses were performed. Results Among the 293 specimens successfully genotyped, seven subtypes were identified, including subtypes 3b (37.9%, 111/293), 3a (21.8%, 64/293), 6n (14.0%, 41/293), 1b (10.6%, 31/293), 1a (8.2%, 24/293), 6a (5.1%, 15/293) and 6u (2.4%, 7/293). The distribution of HCV subtypes was mostly related to geographic location. Subtypes 3b, 3a, and 6n were detected in all six prefectures, however, the other four subtypes were detected only in parts of the six prefectures. Phylogeographic analyses indicated that 6n, 1a and 6u originated in the western prefecture (Dehong) and spread eastward and showed genetic relatedness with those detected in Burmese. However, 6a originated in the southeast prefectures (Honghe and Wenshan) bordering Vietnam and was transmitted westward. These subtypes exhibited different evolutionary rates (between 4.35×10−4 and 2.38×10−3 substitutions site-1 year-1) and times of most recent common ancestor (tMRCA, between 1790.3 and 1994.6), suggesting that HCV was multiply introduced into Yunnan. Naturally occurring resistance-associated mutations (C316N, A421V, C445F, I482L, V494A, and V499A) to NS5B polymerase inhibitors were detected in direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)-naïve IDUs. Conclusion This work reveals the temporal-spatial distribution of HCV subtypes and baseline HCV drug resistance among HIV-infected IDUs in Yunnan. The findings enhance our understanding of the characteristics and evolution of HCV in IDUs and are valuable for developing HCV prevention and management strategies for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Yanling Ma
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Huichao Chen
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Hongbing Luo
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Jie Dai
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Lijun Song
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Chaojun Yang
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Jingyuan Mei
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Li Yang
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Lijuan Dong
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
| | - Manhong Jia
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
- * E-mail: (MJ); (LL)
| | - Lin Lu
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, 650022, China
- College of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
- * E-mail: (MJ); (LL)
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16
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Co-infections and transmission networks of HCV, HIV-1 and HPgV among people who inject drugs. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15198. [PMID: 26459957 PMCID: PMC4602306 DOI: 10.1038/srep15198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-infections with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human pegivirus (HPgV) are common in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals. However, analysis on the evolutionary dynamics and transmission network profiles of these viruses among individuals with multiple infections remains limited. A total of 228 injecting drug users (IDUs), either HCV- and/or HIV-1-infected, were recruited in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. HCV, HIV-1 and HPgV genes were sequenced, with epidemic growth rates assessed by the Bayesian coalescent method. Based on the sequence data, mono-, dual- and triple-infection were detected in 38.8%, 40.6% and 20.6% of the subjects, respectively. Fifteen transmission networks involving HCV (subtype 1a, 1b, 3a and 3b), HIV-1 (CRF33_01B) and HPgV (genotype 2) were identified and characterized. Genealogical estimates indicated that the predominant HCV, HIV-1 and HPgV genotypes were introduced into the IDUs population through multiple sub-epidemics that emerged as early as 1950s (HCV), 1980s (HIV-1) and 1990s (HPgV). By determining the difference in divergence times between viral lineages (ΔtMRCA), we also showed that the frequency of viral co-transmission is low among these IDUs. Despite increased access to therapy and other harm reduction interventions, the continuous emergence and coexistence of new transmission networks suggest persistent multiple viral transmissions among IDUs.
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17
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Wasitthankasem R, Vongpunsawad S, Siripon N, Suya C, Chulothok P, Chaiear K, Rujirojindakul P, Kanjana S, Theamboonlers A, Tangkijvanich P, Poovorawan Y. Genotypic distribution of hepatitis C virus in Thailand and Southeast Asia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126764. [PMID: 25962112 PMCID: PMC4427325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection results in chronic infection, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Global burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated at 150 million individuals, or 3% of the world’s population. The distribution of the seven major genotypes of HCV varies with geographical regions. Since Asia has a high incidence of HCV, we assessed the distribution of HCV genotypes in Thailand and Southeast Asia. From 588 HCV-positive samples obtained throughout Thailand, we characterized the HCV 5’ untranslated region, Core, and NS5B regions by nested PCR. Nucleotide sequences obtained from both the Core and NS5B of these isolates were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, and genotypes were assigned using published reference genotypes. Results were compared to the epidemiological data of HCV genotypes identified within Southeast Asian. Among the HCV subtypes characterized in the Thai samples, subtype 3a was the most predominant (36.4%), followed by 1a (19.9%), 1b (12.6%), 3b (9.7%) and 2a (0.5%). While genotype 1 was prevalent throughout Thailand (27–36%), genotype 3 was more common in the south. Genotype 6 (20.9%) constituted subtype 6f (7.8%), 6n (7.7%), 6i (3.4%), 6j and 6m (0.7% each), 6c (0.3%), 6v and 6xa (0.2% each) and its prevalence was significantly lower in southern Thailand compared to the north and northeast (p = 0.027 and p = 0.030, respectively). Within Southeast Asia, high prevalence of genotype 6 occurred in northern countries such as Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, while genotype 3 was prevalent in Thailand and Malaysia. Island nations of Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines demonstrated prevalence of genotype 1. This study further provides regional HCV genotype information that may be useful in fostering sound public health policy and tracking future patterns of HCV spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujipat Wasitthankasem
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipaporn Siripon
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chutima Suya
- Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | | | | | - Pairaya Rujirojindakul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sawan Kanjana
- Regional Blood Center XI Nakhorn Si Thammarat, Thai Red Cross Society, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Apiradee Theamboonlers
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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18
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The full-length genome sequences of nine HCV genotype 4 variants representing a new subtype 4s and eight unclassified lineages. Virology 2015; 482:111-6. [PMID: 25854865 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We characterized the full-length genomes for nine novel variants of HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4), representing a new subtype 4s and eight unclassified lineages. They were obtained from patients who resided in Canada but all had origins in Africa. An extended maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree was reconstructed after the inclusion of 30 reference sequences. It differentiated 18 assigned subtypes and 10 unclassified lineages within HCV-4. Similar analysis of 102 partial NS5B sequences resulted in another MCC tree that revealed 22 assigned subtypes (4a-4t, 4w, and 4v) and 30 unclassified lineages at the subtype level. Our study shows that HCV-4 is taxonomically complex and it displays high genetic diversity to support an African origin.
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Identification, molecular cloning, and analysis of full-length hepatitis C virus transmitted/founder genotypes 1, 3, and 4. mBio 2015; 6:e02518. [PMID: 25714714 PMCID: PMC4358020 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02518-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by persistent replication of a complex mixture of viruses termed a “quasispecies.” Transmission is generally associated with a stringent population bottleneck characterized by infection by limited numbers of “transmitted/founder” (T/F) viruses. Characterization of T/F genomes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been integral to studies of transmission, immunopathogenesis, and vaccine development. Here, we describe the identification of complete T/F genomes of HCV by single-genome sequencing of plasma viral RNA from acutely infected subjects. A total of 2,739 single-genome-derived amplicons comprising 10,966,507 bp from 18 acute-phase and 11 chronically infected subjects were analyzed. Acute-phase sequences diversified essentially randomly, except for the poly(U/UC) tract, which was subject to polymerase slippage. Fourteen acute-phase subjects were productively infected by more than one genetically distinct virus, permitting assessment of recombination between replicating genomes. No evidence of recombination was found among 1,589 sequences analyzed. Envelope sequences of T/F genomes lacked transmission signatures that could distinguish them from chronic infection viruses. Among chronically infected subjects, higher nucleotide substitution rates were observed in the poly(U/UC) tract than in envelope hypervariable region 1. Fourteen full-length molecular clones with variable poly(U/UC) sequences corresponding to seven genotype 1a, 1b, 3a, and 4a T/F viruses were generated. Like most unadapted HCV clones, T/F genomes did not replicate efficiently in Huh 7.5 cells, indicating that additional cellular factors or viral adaptations are necessary for in vitro replication. Full-length T/F HCV genomes and their progeny provide unique insights into virus transmission, virus evolution, and virus-host interactions associated with immunopathogenesis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 2% to 3% of the world’s population and exhibits extraordinary genetic diversity. This diversity is mirrored by HIV-1, where characterization of transmitted/founder (T/F) genomes has been instrumental in studies of virus transmission, immunopathogenesis, and vaccine development. Here, we show that despite major differences in genome organization, replication strategy, and natural history, HCV (like HIV-1) diversifies essentially randomly early in infection, and as a consequence, sequences of actual T/F viruses can be identified. This allowed us to capture by molecular cloning the full-length HCV genomes that are responsible for infecting the first hepatocytes and eliciting the initial immune responses, weeks before these events could be directly analyzed in human subjects. These findings represent an enabling experimental strategy, not only for HCV and HIV-1 research, but also for other RNA viruses of medical importance, including West Nile, chikungunya, dengue, Venezuelan encephalitis, and Ebola viruses.
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An Y, Wu T, Wang M, Lu L, Li C, Zhou Y, Fu Y, Chen G. Conservation in China of a novel group of HCV variants dating to six centuries ago. Virology 2014; 464-465:21-25. [PMID: 25043585 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We characterized a novel group of HCV variants that are genetically related but distinct from each other belonging to genotype 6 (HCV-6). From 26 infected Austronesian-descended aborigines on Hainan Island, China, HCV sequences were determined followed by genetic analyses. Six nearly full-length genomes and 20 E1 sequences of HCV were obtained, which differ from each other and from all known HCV lineages by nucleotides above the intra-subtype level of 13%. Together with subtypes 6g and 6w, they constitute a phylogenetic group sharing a common ancestor dating from the end of the 12th century. CONCLUSION Our data indicate the maintenance of an isolated HCV-6 indigenous circulation on Hainan Island at least for six centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling An
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Department of Infectious Disease, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Min Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China; Center for Viral Oncology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
| | - Chunhua Li
- Center for Viral Oncology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Yuanpin Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
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