Detection and genotyping of hepatitis C (HCV) and G (HGV) co-existing in viral hepatitis patients admitted to hospitals in Ha Noi

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is one of thecauses resulting in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary hepatocarcinoma. In Viet Nam, HCV-infected people are on the increase. The co-existence of HCV and G (HGV) in Viet Nam and their accurate genotyping needs to be clarified. Objective: To detect and molecularly genotype HCV and HGV from 4 serum isolates. Materials: This study consisted of 4 anti-HCV positive [HCV(+)] serum isolates. Method: To extract genomic RNA, perform RT-PCR, 5\u2019UTR fragment of 295 nucleotides for HCV, genomic RNAs from HCV(+) (confirmed by RT-PCR) as samples for RT-PCR for HGV to obtain 260 bp 5\u2019UTR. All of them were cloned and sequenced for analysis. Results: HCV products and HCV + HGV products obtained from samples, respectively; suggested that the co-existence of HCV and HGV could occur in a patient. Base on Gen Back and analysis, we showed that three nucleotide strains of HCV (HCV-H1VN, HCV-H2VN, HCV-H3VN) belongs to genotype 1a of the group 1a/1b, commonly found in East and Southeast Asia. HGV of Viet Nam [HGV-(Han9)VN strain] was identified to belong to type 2; one of five HGV types existing in the world. Conclusions: Three HCV isolates were genotype 1a; one HGV isolate belonged to genotype 2. Detection and genotyping of co-existence of HCV and HGV contributed the development of a multiplex-PCR/RT-PCR for screening blood-transmitted viral hepatitis.