Acute hepatitis A virus infection in Turkey
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, vol.80, no.5, pp.785-790, 2008 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 80 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2008
- Doi Number: 10.1002/jmv.21137
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.785-790
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Anti-HAV IgM positive serum samples from acute phase hepatitis A patients from various areas in Turkey were tested for viral RNA by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), using primer pairs from two different regions of the HAV genome. The PCR products amplified from both genomic regions underwent phylogenetic analyses. A comparison of the regions showed the same genotyping results, and the RT-PCR-2 in the 5'NCR demonstrated greater sensitivity compared to RT-PCR-1 in the VP1-P2A region. The majority of the isolates belonged to genotype IB and are related closely to each other; however, two isolates related even more strongly to the HAV HM175 strain. Two (n = 37) RT-PCR positive sera were classified under genotype IA. A surprising finding emerged for the mean levels of serum transaminases AST and ALT: higher levels were found in patients under 10 years of age compared to older patients. Anti-HAV IgM levels were determined quantitatively and, in addition, the HAV-RNA genome equivalents were ascertained by real time RT-PCR. No evidence was found for an association between viral load and the higher transaminase levels in the younger group. J. Med Virol. 80.785-790, 2008. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.