Evolution of hepatitis C virus quasispecies in mothers and infants infected through mother-to-infant transmission
Journal
Journal of Hepatology
Journal Volume
26
Journal Issue
5
Pages
967-974
Date Issued
1997
Abstract
Background/Aims: Two mother infant pairs (Pair H and P) were studied to determine the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) quasispecies. Methods: Eight clones of the hypervariable region of HCV cDNA from the infants' sera sampled at the age of 3 months, 1, 2, and 3 years and the time-corresponding maternal sample were also sequenced. The sequences were analyzed by the nucleotide diversity, substitution rate, and phylogenetic studies. Results: HCV quasispecies of the infants were more homogeneous than those of their mothers, particularly at the age of 3 months (nucleotide diversity, π = 0.18 x 10-2/site in infant H, and 0.22 x 10-2/site infant P). The nucleotide substitution rate in infants also increased as they aged, from 1.2 x 10-2 to 4.46 x 10-2/site/year in infant H, and from 0.21 x 10-2 to 4.48 x 10-2/site/year in infant P respectively. The nucleotide sequences differences between infants and mothers increased from 2.63 x 10- 2 to 9.06 x 10-2/site in pair H, and from 1.85 x 10-2 to 5.33 x 10- 2/site in Pair P within 3 years.Phylogenetic studies suggest the infants' initial quasispecies were closely related to their mothers', while they evolved differently. HCV RNA titer was stable during follow-up and the infants' titer was stable during follow-up and the infants' titer was similar to their mothers'. The fluctuations in titer did not correlate with nucleotide diversity. Conclusions: HCV quasispecies evolved differently in each individual, even though they were genetically linked. The sequence in infants was not as complex as in their mothers.
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; case report; hepatitis C; Hepatitis C virus; human; molecular cloning; phylogeny; priority journal; species difference; vertical transmission; virus characterization; virus transmission
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article