Genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus in Nanaian region, Khabarovsk territory

Abstract

Examining hepatitis C virus (HCV) genetic diversity is of great practical value in molecular-epidemiological research, development of specific prevention tools and outlining therapeutic strategy.Aim of study is to conduct analysis assessing HCV genetic diversity circulating in the Nanaisky Region population of the Khabarovsk Krai.Materials and methods. Molecular and genetic analysis of 124 blood plasma samples collected from patients with chronic hepatitis C and residing in the Nanaisky Region was conducted.Results. HCV RNA was detected in 84 (67.7±4.2%) plasma samples. HCV genotyping was performed by using AmpliSens — 1/2/3 kit (Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russian Federation) showing that genotype 3 dominated reaching up to 47.6±5.4% (n = 40). Genotype 1 was detected in 30 patients (35.7±5.2%). In thirteen cases (15.5±3.9%) genotype 2 was identified, whereas in one case (1.2±1.2%) virus genotype was unidentified. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences in HCV NS5B region was performed for 60 HCV RNA-positive samples showing subtype ratio as follows: 1a — 2 (3.3±2.3%), 1b — 23 (38.3±6.3%), 2а — 6 (10.0±3.9%), 2с — 2 (3.3±2.3%), 3а — 27 (45.0±6.4%). Three samples of RF2k/1b recombinant virus were found. A full NS2 gene nucleotide sequence was cloned in order to confirm the recombination event. The results of the study evidence about a need to conduct multi-layered examination of patients with chronic hepatitis C by using current molecular and biologic methods for assigning proper therapy coupled to characteristics of the isolated strains. The data regarding hepatitis C virus molecular and genetic parameters circulating in the Far Eastern Federal District, Russia, are rather limited. Hence, our study would contribute to current understanding of HCV genovariants circulating in territories of the Russian Federation.