Molecular and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus and Its Implication in Lagos State

摘要

Hepatitis C infection is a progressing and devastating live threatening health care problem in developing and developed countries worldwide caused by hepatitis C virus. The virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus hepacivirus. Hepatitis C virus continues to be a disease burden in Nigeria and the world at large, and man is known to be its natural host. However, Information on genotype of HCV in Nigeria is limited, hence the need for more work. This study will help to determine the prevalent genotype as this will have influence on management of patients and expected therapeutic response because response to treatment varies according to genotype and treatment may prevent progression of infection to hepato-cellular carcinoma. This research was conducted with 40 sero-positive blood samples consisting of 23 females and 17 males. The samples were analyzed by Reverse transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) and two samples were positive for HCV RNA. This extracted viral genome was sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was constructed from its analysis. This phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain did not cluster with known strains from the zone hence suggestive of a possible new strain or unidentified strain or strain yet to be reported in this zone, hence the recommendation for expanded and further research. The RT-PCR test confirmed the presence of hepatitis C virus in Lagos and that sero-positive samples may not definitely be positive for RT- PCR test.