Core encoding sequences of Hepatitis C virus in Ghanaian blood donors are predominantly mosaics of different genotype 2 strains and cannot distinguish subtypes
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Date
2019-05-31
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
BMC Infectious Diseases
Abstract
Background: Distribution of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes varies significantly worldwide. Genomic diversity
between genotypes has implications for treatment, vaccine development and optimal design of HCV diagnostic
assays. Molecular characterization of HCV in different geographical areas is therefore very essential for management
and public health control of HCV infection. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology and characteristics
of HCV genotypes in healthy individuals in Accra, Ghana.
Methods: An experimental study was carried out on blood samples obtained from voluntary blood donors. Two
hundred samples were initially screened for HCV antibodies and infection was confirmed by RNA detection through
RT-PCR of the 5′-untranslated region (5’UTR). The core gene sequences were analysed for HCV genotype determination
by genotype-specific PCR; and then by cloning and direct sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. The sequences
were further analysed in detail by similarity plotting.
Results: Molecular diagnosis confirmed the presence of HCV RNA in 2 out of 200 (1%) blood donors. Initial genotyping
by genotype-specific PCR identified all two infections as subtypes 2a and 2b of genotype 2. Extensive evolutionary and
genetic analyses indicated two epidemiological profiles. First, phylogenetic tree topologies clearly showed
that, collectively, the core sequences of the Ghanaian HCV isolates belong to a single, distinct genetic group
within HCV genotype 2 cluster, with high genetic similarity and rapid sequence variation in a single
individual. Second, the sequences are mosaics comprising 2e and other genotype 2 subtype fragments. The
analyses underscore a unique and complex HCV genotype 2 core sequence profile of the Ghanaian isolates.Conclusions: Analysis of HCV core encoding sequences from Ghanaian blood donors in Accra confirmed predominance
of genotype 2 HCV among healthy individuals. However, the isolates could not be classified into subtypes, possibly due to
their complex sequence pattern that might suggest high mutability of the prevailing genotype. The core region of Ghanaian
HCV therefore may not be suitable for distinguishing subtypes. These findings extend those from previous studies and thus
underscore the need to search for subtype-informative region of Ghanaian HCV to elucidate the genetic diversity and factors
determining outcome of HCV infections in Ghana.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
HCV, Seroprevalence, Genotype, Core gene, Molecular epidemiology, Blood donors, Ghana