Analysis of the prevailing classification system of hepacivirus c
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT, Lhr
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV; species Hepacivirus C) consists of a single-stranded positive-sense RNA. It belongs to the genus Hepacivirus, family Flavivirus. Its genome is approximately 9,600 nucleotides. HCV mainly targets the liver resulting in liver diseases. Just like most of the RNA viruses, HCV also exhibits increased levels of genetic diversity to escape the immune response. Based on phylogenetic investigation of nucleotide groupings, different genotypes and subtypes of Hepacivirus C have been identified. Recently genotype 8 has been discovered based on the phylogenetic analysis. The genotypes and subtypes of HCV have almost similar pathogenic and biological features, but the epidemiological response to treatment and clinical outcomes are eventually different. Multiple sequences of the whole genome of HCV were aligned. The cutoff value based on the percentage identities between pairwise whole-genome sequences was observed to be 70%. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis was conducted using complete genome sequences. Maximum Likelihood (ML) tree was generated showing evolutionary relationships among major genotypes and subtypes. Recombination analysis was then performed and validated to detect potential recombinants. The results displayed potential recombination events in 22 genotypes and their subtypes. Among them, 19 genotypes had recombination at 5’UTR and 3’UTR regions. To conclude, recombination plays a significant role in the genetic diversity and evolution. Analysis of the recombinants is expected to facilitate and contribute to the development of effective vaccine against HCV infection.