Phylogenetic analysis confirms hepatitis C virus transmission among hemodialysis patients in Kosovo
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Published:2019-12-31
Issue:12
Volume:13
Page:1142-1149
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ISSN:1972-2680
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Container-title:The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
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language:
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Short-container-title:J Infect Dev Ctries
Author:
Jakupi Xhevat,Mlakar Jana,Lunar Maja,Rudhani Ibrahim,Raka Lul,Tavakoli Norma,Poljak Mario
Abstract
Introduction: It has recently been demonstrated that there is a very high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among hemodialysis patients in Kosovo with HCV subtype 1 being the most prevalent subtype. In this study, we further detail the molecular epidemiology of HCV outbreaks occurring in seven dialysis centers in Kosovo.
Methodology: In total, 273 samples obtained from HCV RNA positive patients undergoing hemodialysis at one of the seven centers in Kosovo were selected for this study: 171 subtype 1a samples, 91 subtype 4d samples, and 11 subtype 1b samples. A partial HCV NS5B region was amplified and sequenced. Subtype-specific phylogenetic analyses were performed with the inclusion of control sequences and transmission clusters were identified.
Results: NS5B sequences were successfully obtained in 257/273 (94.1%) of samples; 162 subtype 1a, 84 subtype 4d, and 11 subtype 1b sequences. Phylogenetic analyses showed a high degree of phylogenetic clustering of HCV sequences subtyped 1a (99.4%), 1b (63.6%), and 4d (76.2%). Distinct phylogenetic clusters of sequences obtained from hemodialysis patients were observed for all three subtypes studied. In addition, several smaller clusters within the large clusters were identified, mainly from a single dialysis center.
Conclusions: Phylogenetic analyses confirmed nosocomial transmission during dialysis as a major factor in the spread of HCV at the seven dialysis centers in Kosovo.
Publisher
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
Subject
Virology,Infectious Diseases,General Medicine,Microbiology,Parasitology