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Identification of hepatitis C virus 2k/1b intergenotypic recombinants in Georgia
Author(s) -
Zakalashvili Mamuka,
Zarkua Jaba,
Weizenegger Michael,
Bartel Jan,
Raabe Monika,
Zangurashvili Lela,
Kankia Nino,
Jashiashvili Nino,
Lomidze Maka,
Telia Tengiz,
Kerashvili Vakhtang,
Zhamutashvili Maia,
Abramishvili Nikoloz,
Hedskog Charlotte,
Chodavarapu Krishna,
Brainard Diana M.,
McHutchison John G.,
Mo Hongmei,
Svarovskaia Evguenia,
Gish Robert G.,
Rtskhiladze Irakli,
Metreveli David
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.13540
Subject(s) - ns5b , virology , genotype , biology , genotyping , phylogenetic tree , hepatitis c virus , genome , virus , genetics , hepacivirus , gene
Background and Aims This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus intergenotype recombinant strain RF 1_2k/1b in Georgia, confirm viral recombination by full genome sequencing, and determine a genetic relationship with previously described recombinant hepatitis C viruses. Methods We retrospectively analysed data from 1421 Georgian patients with chronic hepatitis C. Genotyping was performed with the INNO ‐Li PA VERSANT HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay. Results Virus isolates were assigned to nonspecific hepatitis C genotypes 2a/2c (n = 387) as performed by sequencing of core and NS 5B genes. Subsequently, sequencing results classified the core region as genotype 2k and the NS 5B region as genotype 1b for 72% (n = 280) of genotype 2 patients, corresponding to 19.7% of hepatitis C patients in Georgia. Eight samples were randomly selected for full genome sequencing which was successful in 7 of 8 samples. Analysis of the generated consensus sequences confirmed that all 7 viruses were 2k/1b recombinants, with the recombination breakpoint located within 73‐77 amino acids before the NS 2‐ NS 3 junction, similar to the previously described RF 1_2k/1b virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of the Georgian 2k/1b viruses and RF 1_2k/1b, suggesting that they are genetically related. Conclusions The 19.7% prevalence of RF 1_2k/1b in Georgia patients is far higher than has generally been reported to date worldwide. Identification of recombinants in low income countries with a high prevalence of HCV infection might be reasonable for choosing the most cost‐effective treatment regimens.