Hepatitis a virus genotypes and strains from an endemic area of Europe, Bulgaria 2012-2014.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is endemic in Eastern European and Balkan region countries. In 2012, Bulgaria showed the highest rate (67.13 cases per 100,000) in Europe. Nevertheless, HAV genotypes and strains circulating in this country have never been described. The present study reports the molecular characterization of HAV from 105 patients from Bulgaria.

Methods

Anti-HAV IgM positive serum samples collected in 2012-2014 from different towns and villages in Bulgaria were analysed by nested RT-PCR, sequencing of the VP1/2A region and phylogenetic analysis; the results were analysed together with patient and geographical data.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis revealed two main sequence groups corresponding to the IA (78/105, 74%) and IB (27/105, 26%) sub-

SUBMITTER: Bruni R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5513050 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature