The phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis C virus isolates obtained from two Iranian carriers revealed evidence for a new subtype of HCV genotype 3.
Classification of hepatitis C virus is based on phylogenetic analysis of the strains reported world wide. Different strains are classified within 6 major genotypes and several minor groups (subtypes). In addition to epidemiologic value of determining genotype/subtype of this virus, the result may change the therapeutic strategy used for a patient. During a survey on hepatitis C in Iran, we found two cases assigned as 1b genotype by PCR-RFLP on 5' UTR, but three based on core region sequencing. Fragments from 5' UTR, Core and NS5b regions were PCR-amplified and sequenced followed by phylogenetic analysis. Although the 5' UTR of this new strain is very similar to genotypes 1 and 6, analysis of core region classifies it in a separate branch of genotype 3, close to subtypes h and k. Further analysis of NS5b region put this new strain in a separate branch near other subtypes of genotype 3 and 4. These data are suggestive of a new subtype within genotype 3.
Amini
Safieh
S
Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69 Pasteur Av., Tehran, 13164, Iran. sami@pasteur.ac.ir
Ahmadi Pour
Malek-Hossein
MH
Azadmanesh
Kayhan
K
D020121:5' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D002353:Carrier State / Q000821:virology*; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
D020121:5' Untranslated Regions; D012367:RNA, Viral; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins; C087036:NS-5 protein, hepatitis C virus; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase