Терапевтический архив (Apr 2009)

HCV genome variability in acute and chronic viral hepatitis C

  • N D Yushchuk,
  • E A Klimova,
  • O O Znoyko,
  • M M Gadzhikulieva,
  • E N Il'ina,
  • T L Yashina,
  • N A Malyshev,
  • E V Tsyganova,
  • N D Yuschuk,
  • E A Klimova,
  • O O Znoiko,
  • M M Gadzhikulieva,
  • E N Ilyina,
  • T L Yashina,
  • N A Malyshev,
  • E V Tsyganova

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 81, no. 4
pp. 47 – 54

Abstract

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Aim. To evaluate HCV genome variability in acute and chronic phases of viral hepatitis C. Material and methods. The study of heterogeneity of HCV in acute hepatitis C has detected genetic heterogeneity and variability of individual HCV population circulating in the blood. Significant genetic heterogeneity of HCV was observed in 1b, 2a and 3a genotypes. Variability of HCV did not depend on virus load. Genetic HCV structure changed significantly both in patients with manifest ALT deviations and in normal ALT, mean number of HCV genetic variants in these groups being the same. No significant correlations were found between virus concentration in the patient's blood, its variability and ALT values. Genetic heterogeneity of interferon-sensitive region of gene NS5A subtype 1b HCV was studied in blood of 16 patients with chronic hepatitis C resistant to interferon therapy. Results. It is shown that genetic heterogeneity and variability of an individual HCV population circulating in blood serum can not be a prognostic criterion in assessment of variants of acute hepatitis C course. No mutations in ISDR region were found in 25% of 16 patients studied. 75% cases had 1-3 replacements of amino acid sequences, most frequent mutation was replacements in position 2218 (histidin/arginin). The above results are close to those obtained in Japanese and European populations. Results of ISDR sequence-analysis conducted before treatment may predict efficacy of interferon-alpha2 treatment in an individual patient in future. Large-scale trials are necessary for detection of mutations responsible for resistance to interferon-alpha2 in patients living in Russia.

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