Implications of hepatitis C virus subtype 1a migration patterns for virus genetic sequencing policies in Italy

摘要: In-depth phylogeographic analysis can reveal migration patterns relevant for public health planning. Here, as a model, we focused on the provenance, in current Italian HCV subtype 1a epidemic, of NS3 resistance-associated variant (RAV) Q80K, known to interfere with action NS3/4A protease inhibitor simeprevir. HCV1a were analysed using Bayesian phylodynamic tools, capitalising newly generated and publicly available time geo-referenced encoding virus genetic sequence data. Our results showed that both immigration local circulation fuel epidemic. The United States European continental lineages dominate import into Italy, latter taking lead from 1970s onwards. Since similar found Q80K other lineages, no clear differentiation risk failing simeprevir be made between patients based their travel history. Importantly, since only occasionally recombines, these are readily transferable sequencing policy concerning NS5A RAVs. patient history cannot used target part infected population drug resistance testing before start antiviral therapy. Consequently, it may cost-effective expand genotyping efforts all eligible simeprevir-based therapies.