First evidence for continuous circulation of hepatitis A virus subgenotype IIA in Central Africa.
J Viral Hepat
; 27(11): 1234-1242, 2020 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32564517
ABSTRACT
Although a high seroprevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been estimated in Central Africa, the current status of both HAV infections and seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies remains unclear due to a paucity of surveillance data available. We conducted a serological survey during 2015-2017 in Gabon, Central Africa, and confirmed a high seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in all age groups. To identify the currently circulating HAV strains and to reveal the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of the virus, we conducted molecular surveillance in a total of 1007 patients presenting febrile illness. Through HAV detection and sequencing, we identified subgenotype IIA (HAV-IIA) infections in the country throughout the year. A significant prevalence trend emerged in the young child population, presenting several infection peaks which appeared to be unrelated to dry or rainy seasons. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed local HAV-IIA evolutionary events in Central Africa, indicating the circulation of HAV-IIA strains of a region-specific lineage. Recombination analysis of complete genome sequences revealed potential recombination events in Gabonese HAV strains. Interestingly, Gabonese HAV-IIA possibly acquired the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the rare subgenotype HAV-IIB in recent years, suggesting the present existence of HAV-IIB in Central Africa. These findings indicate a currently stable HAV-IIA circulation in Gabon, with a high risk of infections in children aged under 5 years. Our findings will enhance the understanding of the current status of HAV infections in Central Africa and provide new insight into the molecular epidemiology and evolution of HAV genotype II.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vírus da Hepatite A
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Hepatite A
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Child
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Female
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Humans
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Male
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article