Variation in Hepatitis C Virus Subtype Distribution during 20 Years in Venezuela

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem and a major cause of chronic hepatitis. This virus exhibits a great genetic variability, with 8 genotypes and numerous subtypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluctuations of HCV subtypes during 2 decades in Venezuela. Methods: HCV genotypes were determined by direct sequencing of the 5ʹ-noncoding region in 392 isolates circulating in patients attended during the years 2014-2015. HCV subtype assignment was confirmed in a subset of samples (n = 24) by partial sequencing of the NS5B region. The genotype distribution was compared with the one observed in a previous study of patients followed up during the years 1994-1996 and 2005-2006. Results: Some variation was observed in the HCV genotype distribution over these 20 years. HCV genotype 1b prevalence was reduced significantly from 1994-1995 to 2004-2005, as previously described, and then remained constant. During the last 10 years, a significant decrease of HCV subtype 2b (36/237 in 2005-2006 vs. 24/392 in 2014-2015, p < 0.001) was observed. Patients infected with HCV G2acj were significantly older than the ones infected with G1 (53 vs. 47 years, p = 0.004), and male sex was significantly more prevalent among G3a-infected patients compared to the other ones (71 vs. 47%, p = 0.047). Conclusions: Fluctuations in HCV subtype distribution have been observed over 2 decades in Venezuela. Different major mode of transmission and susceptibility to the available HCV treatment during each period might be playing a role in the observed fluctuations in HCV subtype distribution.

Preliminary Evidence for Hepatitis Delta Virus Exposure in Patients Who Are Apparently Not Infected With Hepatitis B Virus

“…OD/ cutoff average ratio of negative samples = 2.339. 4 AU obtained by anti-HDV antibody testing with LIAISON murex XL Anti-HDV, DiaSorin (Ref 311260, indirect enzyme immunoassay). Negative control < 0.02 AU/mL; positive control > 13 AU/mL; cutoff = 1.0 AU/mL.…”

“…The sera of patients who were HCV infected were analyzed in 2004‐2005 and 2014‐2015 when requesting determination of HCV genotype for treatment. ( 4 ) All patients (n = 160) were HCV RNA‐positive (Fig. 1) and were treated with a combination of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin.…”

“…Negative control OD ≥ 0.6; positive control OD ≤ 0.008; cutoff OD = 0.4. OD/ cutoff average ratio of negative samples = 2.339 4. AU obtained by anti-HDV antibody testing with LIAISON murex XL Anti-HDV, DiaSorin (Ref 311260, indirect enzyme immunoassay).…”