Determining the source of nosocomial transmission in hemodialysis units in Tunisia by sequencing NS5B and E2 sequences of HCV.

摘要: Hepatitis C virus infection is a significant problem in hemodialysis units. HCV very variable genetically with six genotypes. Clinical and epidemiological investigation of new requires the determination both genotype strain involved. A prospective, epidemiologic study 395 dialysis patients Tunisia was conducted from November 2001 to 2003 identify source nosocomial transmission using phylogenetic analysis NS5b E2 sequences. diagnosed by screening for anti-HCV antibodies RNA sera third generation ELISA qualitative RT-PCR assay. strains were genotyped sequencing region. The genetic relatedness studied HVR-1 regions genome. Two de novo cases detected during follow-up. One them has been described previously. case this occurred center which 12 already infected belonging genotypes 1b (n = 8) 1a (n = 4). Phylogenetic region circulating disclosed four clusters, confirmed region, providing strong evidence infection. Epidemiological data showed that these dialyzed same shift area. sequences useful determining transmission. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1089–1094, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.