Abstract
Purpose: To determine genotypic distribution, ribonucleic acid (RNA) RNA viral load and express core gene from Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infected patients in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A total of 1690 HCV RNA positive patients were included in the study. HCV genotyping was tested by type-specific genotyping assay, viral load, by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HCV core protein was expressed in E. coli. Antigenicity of core protein was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Results: Out of total 1690 serum samples, type-specific PCR fragments were observed in 1482 (87.69 %) of the samples. In both genders, genotype 3a (55.44 %) was most prevalent followed by 3b (15.03 %), 1a (6.98 %) and 1b (3.14 %). Regionally, genotype 3a occurred most frequently in Jaranwala (59.72 %). Patients infected with genotype 3 had pre-treatment viral load values of 52.56, 15.79 and 31.65 %, while patients infected by other genotypes showed viral load values of 13.43, 35.27 and 51.3 % for low, intermediate and high categories of viral load, respectively. ELISA showed that core protein possessed greater antigenicity. Conclusion: HCV genotype 3a is the most prevalent genotype in Punjab, although the distribution of HCV genotypes in eight cities of Punjab was not uniform. HCV core protein used to develop local screening assays may be more effective than current commercial assays.
Highlights
The severity of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is well known all over the world
Core is a structural multifunctional protein and it affects host cell functions, including apoptosis, HCV associatedsteatosis, immune cell functions, cell transformation, signal transduction, and transcriptional regulation leading to Hepatitis Cell Carcinoma [4]
Data showed that HCV genotypes 1a, 3a and 3b had statistically significant variation between both genders whereas genotypes 1b, 2a and mixed (p > 0.05) genotypes were statistically insignificant (Table 1)
Summary
The severity of HCV is well known all over the world. Prevalence of HCV is different in different geographical areas, which depends on the different genotypes of HCV. HCV virion is enveloped positive strand RNA virus It consists of 10 viral proteins which are divided into structural and nonstructural proteins. Our study deals with the prevalence of HCV genotypes, viral load and expression of core gene in Punjab province of Pakistan. No study has been conducted in Punjab to evaluate the relationship between viral load and genotypes in HCV-infected patients. Since these two factors have significance in the treatment of patients, this study was conducted to determine genotypic distribution, RNA viral load and express core gene from HCV infected patients in Punjab, Pakistan. Second round PCR products were observed on 2% agarose gel to separate type specific PCR fragment.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
