Emergence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Recombinant Forms 2k/1b in Georgia.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) evolution is thought to proceed by mutations within the six major genotypes. Studies of HCV recombinant genotypes in different parts of the world have recently been initiated. Only a few cases of recombination have been identified worldwide, predominantly in Eastern Europe and Asia. In 2011 we detected the recombinant form (RF) of a HCV genotype RF_2k/1b in Georgia. Therefore, we reviewed HCV genotyping data of 491 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infections of our center in Tbilisi over a period of two years.


METHODS
Initially all genotyping analyses were performed with the VERSANT HCV genotype assay (Siemens, LiPA). In a second analysis, parts of the core and the NS5B region were sequenced for all HCV genotypes 2a/2c.


RESULTS
Approximately 2/3 of genotype 2 cases were identified as the recombinant form HCV-RF 2k/1b. Overall, this type represented 19% of all HCV patients who underwent genotyping.


CONCLUSIONS
We can conclude that almost 20% of HCV infected Georgian patients are infected with HCVRF_2k/ 1b.
Mamuka
M
Zakalashvili
Michael
M
Weizenegger
Jan
J
Bartel
Monika
M
Markowski
Jaba
J
Zarqua
Salome
S
Kavsadze
Ketevan
K
Kvatadze
George
G
Basheleishvili
Tamar
T
Phirtskhalaishvili
Tamar
T
Dzagania
Lela
L
Zangurashvili
Nino
N
Kankia
Nino
N
Jashiashvili
Maka
M
Lomidze
Tengiz
T
Telia
Vakhtang
V
Kerashvili
Maia
M
Zhamutashvili
Nikoloz
N
Abramishvili
Irakli
I
Rtskhiladze
David
D
Metreveli
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D005846:Georgia (Republic); D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016865:Reassortant Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult