Genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis C virus.
There are four hierarchical strata in the genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis C virus (HCV): group above subgroup above isolates above quasispecies. The entire genome sequence has so far been reported for 16 isolates which are classifiable into 3 groups and 6 subgroups. Provisional classification of HCV is also possible using a partial sequence of the HCV genome. With the E1 region sequence for example, the present collection of HCV isolates can be classified into 9 groups and 23 subgroups. The rationale for these classifications and the epidemiological and clinical implications of genotyping HCV are reviewed.
Okamoto
H
H
Immunology Division, Jichi Medical School, Kawachi-gun, Japan.
Mishiro
S
S
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010375:Pedigree