A re-evaluation of the origin of hepatitis C virus genotype 2 in West Africa Journal Article

Local Library Link: Find It @ Loyola

Authors: Purdy, M. A.; Forbi, J. C.; Sue, A.; Layden, J. E.; Switzer, W. M.; Opare-Sem, O. K.; Phillips, R. O.; Khudyakov, Y. E.
Article Title: A re-evaluation of the origin of hepatitis C virus genotype 2 in West Africa
Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is classified into 7 genotypes based on genetic diversity and most genotypes have been found in Africa. Infections with HCV genotype 2 (HCV2) are most prevalent in West Africa, and it was suggested that HCV2 originated in West Africa. To better understand the evolutionary epidemiology of HCV2 in Africa, we examined new NS5b sequences of HCV2 strains obtained from Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria sequenced in this laboratory with those available from West, North and Central Africa. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis using a discrete trait model showed that Ghana is the most likely geographic region for origin of HCV2. Spread of HCV2 from Ghana does not appear to be through diffusion to adjacent countries along the coast. Rather, it was transmitted from Ghana to many distant countries in Africa, suggesting that certain routes of geographic dissemination were historically more efficient than mere proximity and that the HCV2 epidemic history in West Africa is extremely complex.
Journal Title: The Journal of general virology
Volume: 96
Issue: 8
ISSN: 1465-2099; 0022-1317
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2015
Start Page: 2157
End Page: 2164
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:

vir.0.000153
Notes: LR: 20150419; JID: 0077340; aheadofprint