[The molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A in The Netherlands; the usefulness of typing isolated viral strains].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the epidemiological links between several outbreaks of hepatitis A in The Netherlands (2001-2004).


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Blood samples taken in connection with reports of hepatitis A to municipal health centres from 2001-2004, were typed by determining the nucleotide sequence of the VP3-VP1 and the VP1-P2A regions of the genome of the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Genetic distances were represented graphically by means of a phylogenetic tree.


RESULTS
The study into the spread of various subtypes of HAV showed a clear link between the HAV-(sub)genotype and risk of transmission: in men that have sex with men only genotype 1A occurred, in travellers to African countries genotype 1B was predominantly seen.


CONCLUSIONS
A database containing various viral strains from people with hepatitis A in The Netherlands could, if kept up to date, be used as an aid in confirming the classical way of tracing sources as well as for the evaluation of preventative measures.
Bruisten
S M
SM
GGD Amsterdam, Cluster Infectieziekten, Streeklaboratorium, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018 WT Amsterdam. sbruisten@ggd.amsterdam.nl
Tjon
G M S
GM
van den Hoek
J A R
JA
Wijkmans
C J
CJ
Götz
H M
HM
Coutinho
R A
RA
D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005838:Genotype; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D017957:Hepatitis A Virus, Human / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D009426:Netherlands; D010802:Phylogeny; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D012367:RNA, Viral; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins