Identification of resistance mutations to DAA's against Hepatitis C Virus in infected subjects in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Death due to liver damage caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), this agent represents one of the most frequent health threats in Mexico. Now direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA's) are available to treat HCV infections. Nevertheless, HCV has gained mutations that hinder the antiviral effect. The presence of these mutations in Mexico is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) in subjects infected with HCV from Mexico. Materials and Methods: We evaluated patients with hepatitis C who sought medical care at the “Liver Unit” that belongs to the “Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio” in Monterrey, Mexico from May 2016 to August 2019. We extracted RNA from five samples and amplified the whole genome of HCV with tiled-PCR. Amplicons were sequenced with MinION, a third-generation sequencer. Obtained sequences were assembled with the Genome Detective program and resistance-associated substitutions were identified with HCV-Glue software. Results: We obtained four partial and one complete VHC genome. According to HCV-glue algorithm, we detected one virus with resistance to daclatasvir, and probable resistance to ledipasvir and velpatasvir. Another HCV with probable resistance to daclatasvir and ombitasvir and possible resistance to grazoprevir, peritaprevir and ledipasvir. Two HCV isolated had probable resistance to daclatasvir and possible resistance to grazoprevir and peritaprevir. Only one HCV had probable resistance to daclatasvir. Conclusion: We detected one HCV with resistance to daclatasvir and four other viruses with probable antiviral resistance mutations. These findings are crucial to effectively managing the patient's treatment. Funding: The resources used in this study were from the hospital without any additional financing Declaration of interest: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.