Analysis of genetic variability of Indian isolates of Hepatitis C virus.

The degree of genetic variability among Hepatitis C virus strains circulating in India is currently unknown. In order to get insight into this matter, sequence data obtained from the 5' non coding region from 8 patients from New Delhi were compared with sequences from 16 HCV isolates from different geographic locations of India. The phylogenetic analysis of most prevalent genotypes revealed the presence of novel HCV variants in type 1 strains.

Partial VP1/2A gene sequence based molecular epidemiology of wild type 1 poliovirus isolates from some parts of India.

Genomic variability within the sequences of VP1/2A junction among polioviruses from across the globe has revealed the existence of several endemic genotypes and their epidemiological inter-relationships; but such data on Indian isolates are scanty. The present work was intended to ascertain the persistence and transmission pattern of different genotypes of wild type 1 polioviruses circulating in India. Forty-eight wild type 1 poliovirus isolates obtained from different parts of India during 1996-8 were subjected to RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing using M13 tailed primers. A 293 base pair region was amplified and sequenced for genetic variation study. Considering the 15% divergence of the sequences from Sabin 1, the isolates from six different states of India confirmed a single dominant genotype 4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation and active inter-state transmission of many genetically distinct strains of wild poliovirus type 1 belonging to genotype 4. This warrants the need for insisting on more efficient surveillance mechanisms so as to assess the impact of an extensive pulse polio immunization programme in India.