Article

HCV infection in a rural population of the Central African republic (CAR): Evidence for three additional subtypes of genotype 4

  1. Dr. C. Fretz1,*,
  2. D. Jeannel3,
  3. L. Stuyver4,
  4. V. Herve5,
  5. F. Lunel2,
  6. A. Boudifa1,
  7. C. Mathiot5,
  8. G. de Thé3,
  9. J. J. Fournel1

Article first published online: 7 DEC 2005

DOI: 10.1002/jmv.1890470423

Issue

Journal of Medical Virology

Journal of Medical Virology

Volume 47, Issue 4, pages 435–437, December 1995

Additional Information

How to Cite

Fretz, C., Jeannel, D., Stuyver, L., Herve, V., Lunel, F., Boudifa, A., Mathiot, C., de Thé, G. and Fournel, J. J. (1995), HCV infection in a rural population of the Central African republic (CAR): Evidence for three additional subtypes of genotype 4. Journal of Medical Virology, 47: 435–437. doi: 10.1002/jmv.1890470423

Author Information

  1. 1

    Laboratory of Virological Markers, Blood Center, Paris, France

  2. 2

    Laboratory of Virology, Paris, France

  3. 3

    Pité-Salpětrière Hospital, and Unit of Epidemiology of Oncogenic Viruses, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France

  4. 4

    Innogenetics, Ghent, Belgium

  5. 5

    Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic

*Laboratory of Virological Markers, Blood Center, Pitié-Salpětrière Hospital, 47 Bd de l'Hǒpital, 75013, Paris, France

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 7 DEC 2005
  2. Article first published online: 7 DEC 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 26 JUN 1995

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Keywords:

  • HCV infection;
  • genotypes;
  • epidemiology;
  • Africa

Abstract

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, HCV infection, and genotypes was studied in a rural population of the Central African Republic. In five villages, blood samples were taken from all the inhabitants present during the survey, belonging to Pygmies (299) and to Bantu and Banda ethnic groups (247). Using a second-generation ELISA screening and confirmation by immunoblot assay for the detection of HCV antibodies, all the Pygmies were negative, whereas seven Bantus/Bandas, aged > 35 years and with no familial relationship, were positive, giving a prevalence of 2.8% in this ethnic group. Five samples were also PCR positive; all belonged to genotype 4, but with three new subtypes identified by phylogenic analysis. These results indicate the co-existence of different HCV subtypes and raise questions about the natural transmission of HCV in this secluded population. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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