Subtype distribution of hepatitis C virus in Jiangsu, China.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution varied by regions and transmission modes. In this study, we investigated HCV genotype distribution in five cities of Jiangsu, China, all of which are located in the Yangtze River Delta Region. A total of 363 samples were collected during 2011-2012. C/E2 and NS5B fragments of HCV were amplified using a multiple RT-nested PCR strategy and subjected to sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was performed for HCV genotyping. Among 106 PCR positive cases, HCV subtypes 1a (0.9%), 1b (61.3%), 2a (15.1%), 3a (4.7%), 3b (9.4%), 6a (6.6%), and 6n (1.9%) were detected. Together with our previous data, we found that HCV subtypes were more among injection drug users (IDUs) (nine) than among general population (GP) (six), and the most common subtype among GP was 1b (73.9%), followed by 2a (14.5%), while the top four common subtypes among IDUs were 3a, 1b, 3b, and 6a, with similar prevalence rates (24.4%, 22.7%, 20.9%, and 17.4%, respectively). There were nine HCV subtypes prevalent among IDUs in Jiangsu, more than those in Xinjiang, Hubei, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hong Kong. The top four common subtypes among IDUs in Jiangsu covered all the two most common HCV subtypes (except 6n subtype) observed in six targeted provinces/region. These results suggested that Jiangsu may be an important gathering place for various HCV subtypes and the gathering may be involved in the large scale of population migration from other regions of China to Eastern China.

Four invertebrate-type lysozyme genes from triangle-shell pearl mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii).

Lysozymes in animals have three types, namely chicken-type, goose-type, and invertebrate-type (i-type) lysozymes and all these 3 types have been found in bivalve mollusks. The i-type lysozymes in mollusks are involved in digestion and innate immunity. In this study, four different lysozyme genes that belong to i-type were identified from Hyriopsis cumingii. The HcLyso1 to HcLyso4 genes encode proteins with 144, 144, 161, and 228 amino acids, respectively, and contain a destabilase domain. HcLyso4 also contains SH3b domain in addition to its destabilase domain. Multiple alignments showed that two catalytic residues of Glu and Asp which were necessary for enzyme activity were present in i-type lysozymes. Phylogenetic analysis using CDS sequences of i-type lysozymes showed that these lysozymes can be divided into mollusk and crustacean clades, and that HcLyso1 to HcLyso4 all belong to the mollusk clades. Although there was no positive selection predicted in i-type lysozymes, some branches suffered rapid evolution. HcLyso1 is mainly expressed in hepatopancreas and can be detected in hemocytes. HcLyso2 is primarily expressed in hepatopancreas and can be detected in hemocytes Whereas, HcLyso3 can be detected mainly in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, gills, and mantle. HcLyso4 is expressed in hemocytes and hepatopancreas. qRT-PCR analysis showed that HcLyso1 to HcLyso4 were all nearly down-regulated by Vibrio or Staphylococcus aureus challenge. Moreover, our research indicated that HcLyso1 to HcLyso4 might play a key role in the innate immunity of mussel.

Complex patterns of HCV epidemic in Suzhou: evidence for dual infection and HCV recombination in East China.

BACKGROUND: HCV transmission is closely associated with injection drug use (IDU), and co-circulation of multiple subtypes has been found among injection drug users (IDUs) in China. OBJECTIVES: To investigate HCV subtype characterizations among IDUs and general population (GP) in Suzhou, a city at the important "Hu-ning" transportation line. STUDY DESIGN: During January 2010 to May 2011, 123 HCV positive plasma from IDUs and 131 stored HCV positive sera from general individuals were collected in Suzhou. HCV C/E2 and NS5B fragments were amplified using a new multiple RT-nested PCR strategy and subsequent sequenced. Genotypes were characterized by phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Eight HCV subtypes (1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, 6a, 6n, and 6u) were detected among Suzhou IDUs, and six subtypes (1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, 6a and 6n) among GP. HCV subtype distribution is distinct between IDUs and GP. Interestingly, we detected discrepancy of genotyping results between C/E2 and NS5B regions in one general individual, indicating the presence of HCV intersubtype recombinant in China. The recombinant belongs to a 3a/1b recombinant. We also detected dual infections in one general individual and two IDUs. They include dual infections between 1b and 3a, 3a and 6a, and two distinct lineages of 3b. CONCLUSIONS: Complex patterns of HCV epidemic among IDUs, as well as GP, in Suzhou, might imply a spread of HCV from IDUs to GP. The finding of one HCV 3a/1b intersubtype recombinant might represent the first report of HCV recombination in China.