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- Title
Molecular epidemiology of GB type C virus among individuals exposed to hepatitis C virus in Cameroon.
- Authors
Torimiro, Judith N.; Qing Mao; Wolfe, Nathan D.; Tamoufe, Ubald; Weil, Ana; Ngole, Eitel Mpoudi; Burke, Donald S.; Ray, Stuart C.; Netski, Dale
- Abstract
GB Virus Type C (GBV-C), a blood-borne flavivirus currently infects about one sixth of the world's population. Its transmission has been reported through parenteral, sexual and vertical routes. Unusually for RNA viruses, it exhibits a high degree of conservation of the polyprotein sequence. The geographical distribution of GBV-C suggests an African origin and a long-term co-evolution in the human population but without any known pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to describe the different sub-types of this virus in Southern Cameroon. We studied the genetic epidemiology of GBV-C among rural populations where many HIV-1 and HCV genotypes have been identified. Plasma samples of 345 subjects with evidence of HCV exposure were tested for GBV-C infection. To detect GBV-C RNA, reverse transcription followed by a nested PCR of 5'UTR were performed. Direct sequencing and phylogenetic studies using PHYLIP, PAUP" and SimPlot were carried out. In total, 31 GBV-C RNA-positive samples were detected giving a prevalence of 9.0% among HCV-exposed individuals. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR showed two distinct clusters: Genotype 1 and Genotype 2. Twenty-eight isolates (8.0%) clustered with Genotype 1 and 3 (1.0%) with Genotype 2. More than one genotype of GBV-C is prevalent in Cameroon of which GBV-C Genotype 1 is more common, confirming reports in the literature. Studying the near full-length genome sequences of GBV-C isolates from primates in this region may provide clues of viral recombination, evolution and origin.
- Subjects
CAMEROON; HEPATITIS C virus; MOLECULAR epidemiology; FLAVIVIRAL diseases; RNA virus infections; MEDICAL geography
- Publication
Microbiology Research, 2013, Vol 4, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2036-7481
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4081/mr.2013.e1