Historical drivers of HCV Subtypes 1b and 3a in Thailand and 6f in Phetchabun, an HCV endemic area of the country.

ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization has set a target to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public threat by 2030. In pursuit of this goal, Thailand initiated a hepatitis C virus (HCV) microelimination project targeting Phetchabun province, a well-recognized high-burden HCV endemic area. However, the historical transmission dynamics of HCV in Phetchabun, and in Thailand in general, remain unclear. This study investigates the epidemic histories of HCV in Phetchabun, focusing on Subtypes 1b, 3a, and 6f, and their relationship with HCV in other regions of Thailand, using molecular phylogenetic analyses. Our results reveal nationwide the presence of Subtypes 1b and 3a, while Subtype 6f is mainly confined to Phetchabun. The initial spread of Subtype 1b was inferred to coincide with World War II and the pe

SUBMITTER: Wasitthankasem R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11463029 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature