Hepatitis C virus genotype 5 variability in treatment naïve patients in South Africa
Introduction. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 5 was originally identified in South Africa, where it represents 35-60% of all HCV infections. There are limited data on resistance associated variants (RAVs) in South Africa. Thus, we investigated variability within the NS3/NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B gene...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Karger Publishers
2023-05-01
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| Series: | Intervirology |
| Online Access: | https://beta.karger.com/Article/FullText/528178 |
| Summary: | Introduction. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 5 was originally identified in South Africa, where it represents 35-60% of all HCV infections. There are limited data on resistance associated variants (RAVs) in South Africa. Thus, we investigated variability within the NS3/NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B genes of treatment-naïve patients individuals with HCV genotype 5 infection at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Pretoria, South Africa.
Methods. Nested PCR was performed to amplify the NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B genes. RAVs were evaluated using the Geno2pheno tool.
Results. In the NS3/4A gene, F56S and T122A were detected in one sample each. The D168E mutation was detected in 7 samples. Within the NS5A gene, the T62M mutation was detected in 2 individuals. In the NS5B gene, 8 of 12 individuals (67%) had the A421V mutation, while all 12 individuals (100%) had the S486A mutation.
Discussion. RAVs were detected frequently among treatment-naïve individuals with HCV genotype 5 infection in South Africa. Thus, resistance testing may be prudent when initiating treatment of patients with genotype 5 infection. Additional population-based studies are needed to understand the prevalence of these RAVs during HCV genotype 5 infection. |
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| ISSN: | 0300-5526 1423-0100 |