Hepatitis B, C and D virus genotypes detected in HBsAg- or anti-HCV-positive people from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

In the Republic of Moldova, little is known about hepatitis B, C and D virus (HBV, HCV, HDV) genotypes, although the genetic variant may influence the course and outcome of disease. For HBV genotyping, 301 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive sera collected in 2010 and 2011 from drug users, prison inmates, commercial sex workers, and the general population in different geographical regions were investigated. The 31 HBsAg-positive sera collected in 2011 were also tested for HDV. Eighty-eight anti-HCV-positive sera collected between 2010 and 2011 from the general population and health care workers were used for HCV genotyping. Phylogenetic analysis of 84 HBV sequences showed that most of the viruses belonged to genotype D (n = 82, 97.6%), predominantly to the subgenotype D1/D2 cluster (n = 75/82, 91.5%). One sequence (74110) clustered as an outlier to this cluster, and six sequences belonged to subgenotype D3. Only two subgenotype A2 sequences were found. Cloning of six samples with ambiguous sequence chromatogram signals showed no mixed infections. Phylogenetic analysis of HCV sequences from 66 patients showed a predominance of subtype 1b (n = 63, 95.5%). Two sequences belonged to subtype 3a, and one to subtype 2a. HDV RNA belonging to genotype 1 was found in two sera (2/31, 6.5%). Thus, genotypes prevalent in Europe were detected for all three hepatitis viruses. For both HBV and HCV, one genotype was dominant, while occasional other variants seem to be restricted to certain cohorts and/or transmission routes.

Is elimination of hepatitis C virus realistic by 2030: Eastern Europe

“…The incidence of CHC also decreased from 46.7 in 2011 to 34.6/100 000 in 2016, however, the officially registered number of patients (13 432) is much lower than estimated 24 . The distribution of HCV genotypes is different from other EE countries because there is a majority of genotype 1b (95.5%), with a low per cent of genotypes 3a and 2 25 . This may be as a result of the modes of transmission of HCV in acute hepatitis patients.…”

“…24 The distribution of HCV genotypes is different from other EE countries because there is a majority of genotype 1b (95.5%), with a low per cent of genotypes 3a and 2. 25 This may be as a result of the modes of transmission Moldova has had extensive experience in the implementation of national programmes against viral hepatitis for more than 20 years, with success in decreasing the incidence of acute hepatitis, reducing the prevalence of chronic hepatitis especially related to HBV, but also in the incidence of CHC. The estimated economic loss prevented by these national programmes from 1997 to 2015 was 822.4 million lei (USD 48 million), while the cost to the National Budget was only 84.6 million lei (USD 4.9 million).…”

Detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Genotypes by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technique in Diyala Province

“…B and C genotypes are extremely common in Australia and Asia [5]. Genotype D is found throughout the world, with the highest proportion in the Middle East and Southern Europe while, genotype E is nearly restricted to West Africa however, genotype F is found in Central and South America [6].…”

"Geographical Variation in Mortality Rate From Liver Disease in the Republic of Moldova"

“…Viral hepatitis is another major contributor to the development of liver cirrhosis at the population level. Currently, Moldova is classified as a country with intermediate endemicity with regard to hepatitis B virus (HBV) 12 . However, before the implementation of the compulsory immunization of infants in 1994 13 , the prevalence of HBV carriers in the population was estimated as high or more than 8% 14 .…”