HCV genotype 6 prevalence, spontaneous clearance and diversity amongst elderly members of the Li ethnic minority in Baisha County, China

Xu, R. et al. (2019) HCV genotype 6 prevalence, spontaneous clearance and diversity amongst elderly members of the Li ethnic minority in Baisha County, China. Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 26(5), pp. 529-540. (doi: 10.1111/jvh.13062) (PMID:30629794)

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Abstract

The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus varies widely across geographical regions and ethnic groups. Our previous study showed that 6 strains isolated from Baisha County, Hainan Island, China, were all new genotype 6 (gt6) subtypes which differed significantly from subtypes of other regions. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive epidemiological survey of HCV in the Li ethnic group, native to Baisha County. Anti‐HCV antibodies were detected by 2 independent ELISAs in all participants, and positive results confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and HCV RNA viral loads were measured. Univariate chi‐square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for HCV infection and spontaneous clearance rates. Indeterminate RIBA results were excluded or included in analyses; consequently, findings were expressed as a range. Direct sequencing of partial regions within NS5B and E1 was employed for genotyping. Among 1682 participants, 117 to 153 were anti‐HCV positive (7.0%‐9.1%), with 42.7%‐52.6% confirmed to have cleared infection. Anti‐HCV positivity was associated with older age (≥60 years) (OR = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01‐0.05, P < 0.01) and surgery (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.36‐5.57, P < 0.01), with no significant difference found between the HCV infection group and the HCV spontaneous clearance group. The gt6 subtype distribution characteristics of Baisha County were unique, complex and diverse. The sequences did not cluster with known gt6 subtypes but formed 4 Baisha community‐specific groups. HCV infection in members of the Li minority ethnic group is characterized by high prevalence rates in the elderly, high spontaneous clearance rates and broad gt6 diversity.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was supported by the grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81772208), and ECML and JM were supported by funding from the UK Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12014/1).
Keywords:Hepatology, virology, infectious diseases
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leitch, Dr Carol and McLauchlan, Professor John
Authors: Xu, R., Yu, Y., Leitch, E. C. M., Wang, M., Huang, K., Huang, J., Tang, X., Liao, Q., Song, D., Shan, Z., Li, C., McLauchlan, J., and Rong, X.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Journal of Viral Hepatitis
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1352-0504
ISSN (Online):1365-2893
Published Online:10 January 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 John Wiley and Sons Ltd
First Published:First published in Journal of Viral Hepatitis 26(5):529-540
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
656341Virus-host interactions in hepatitis C virus infectionJohn McLauchlanMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12014/1MVLS III - CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH