Geographic distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is a country of continental dimension with a population of different ethnic backgrounds. Thus, a wide variation in the frequencies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes is expected to occur. To address this point, 1,688 sequential samples from chronic HCV patients were analyzed. HCV-RNA was amplified by the RT-PCR from blood samples collected from 1995 to 2000 at different laboratories located in different cities from all Brazilian States. Samples were collected in tubes containing a gel separator, centrifuged in the site of collection and sent by express mail in a refrigerated container to Laboratório Bioquímico Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. HCV-RNA was extracted from serum and submitted to RT and nested PCR using standard procedures. Nested PCR products were submitted to cycle sequencing reactions without prior purification. Sequences were analyzed for genotype determination and the following frequencies were found: 64.9% (1,095) for genotype 1, 4.6% (78) for genotype 2, 30.2% (510) for genotype 3, 0.2% (3) for genotype 4, and 0.1% (2) for genotype 5. The frequencies of HCV genotypes were statistically different among Brazilian regions (P = 0.00017). In all regions, genotype 1 was the most frequent (51.7 to 74.1%), reaching the highest value in the North; genotype 2 was more prevalent in the Center-West region (11.4%), especially in Mato Grosso State (25.8%), while genotype 3 was more common in the South (43.2%). Genotypes 4 and 5 were rarely found and only in the Southeast, in São Paulo State. The present data indicate the need for careful epidemiological surveys throughout Brazil since knowing the frequency and distribution of the genotypes would provide key information for understanding the spread of HCV.

Detection of HCV by PCR in serum and PBMC of patients with hepatitis C after treatment

“…The prevalence of the HCV genotypes that we observed was similar to that of other studies in Brazil, with a prevalence of type 1, followed by type 3 and, at a lower frequency, type 2 (Table 1) [15,16]. When we examined the probable forms of acquisition of HCV, analysis of the patient records and interviews revealed blood transfusion as the most frequent, suggesting that most patients contracted the disease before 1992, when serological screening of blood banks for HCV became obligatory in Brazil (Table 2) [17].…”

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and associated factors among male illicit drug users in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

“…In Brazil, genotype I is the most prevalent (64%) HCV genotype identified in intravenous drug users, followed by genotype 3 (33%) (Campiotto et al 2005). The same proportions occur in MT .…”

“…Genotype 1 is the most prevalent worldwide, followed by genotypes 3 and 2 (Sablon & Shapiro 2004). In most Brazilian regions, genotype 1 is the etiologic agent in 60-75% of HCV infections (Paraná et al 2000, Campiotto et al 2005. Genotype 3 is the second-most prevalent strain and genotype 2 constitutes less than 5% of cases.…”

Prevalence and genotyping of hepatitis C virus in blood donors in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil

“…The known genotypic distribution in Northern Brazil is based on HCV strains found in AC and AM (Busek & Oliveira 2003, Campiotto et al 2005, Paraná et al 2007. Given the scarcity of epidemiological information about HCV in PA and in Northern Brazil, we determined the prevalence and genotypic frequency of HCV in blood donors in PA, Northern Brazil.…”