Survey of major genotypes and subtypes of hepatitis C virus using RFLP of sequences amplified from the 5' non-coding region.
A method is described for identifying different genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by restriction endonuclease cleavage of sequences amplified by PCR from the 5' non-coding region. Using the enzymes HaeIII-RsaI and HinfI-MvaI, followed by cleavage with BstU1 or ScrFI, it was possible to identify and distinguish HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5 and 6. The method was used to investigate the prevalence of these genotypes in 723 blood donors in 15 countries, the largest survey to date, and one which covered a wide range of geographical regions (Europe, America, Africa and Asia). These results, combined with a review of the existing literature, indicate the existence of several distinct regional patterns of HCV genotype distribution, and provide the framework for future detailed epidemiological investigations of HCV transmission.
Davidson
F
F
Edinburgh and South East Scotland Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, UK.
Simmonds
P
P
Ferguson
J C
JC
Jarvis
L M
LM
Dow
B C
BC
Follett
E A
EA
Seed
C R
CR
Krusius
T
T
Lin
C
C
Medgyesi
G A
GA
D001782:Blood Donors; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length