Molecular epidemiology, antiviral resistant variants and therapeutic options of hepatitis B and C in Nigeria

2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 22KK0147
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: 吉田 レイミント 長崎大学, 熱帯医学研究所, 教授 (90432963)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 樋泉 道子 長崎大学, 熱帯医学研究所, 准教授 (00778623) ; 柳原 克紀 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(医学系), 教授 (40315239) ; 森内 浩幸 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(医学系), 教授 (90315234)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-10-07 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: HBV / HDV / HCV / Genotype / Drug resistance

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Data cleaning of the epidemiological database of the study subjects was conducted and draft summary analysis of the study subjects were performed. A second visit to Nigeria CDC was done to conduct viral nucleic acid extraction from additional 208 HBV samples and 109 HCV positive samples. HDV ELISA was also performed to 590 available HBV positive serum samples and 47 were positive. The nucleic acid extraction of HDV positive 47 samples were performed and the samples were transported to Nagasaki University for further molecular testing. HBV viral load testing was performed to 556 available samples. CT value equal or less than 30 were detected in 121 samples. Whole genome amplification and preS1-S PCR and sanger sequencing were conducted to these 121 samples for HBV genotyping. Currently the HBV genotyping data analysis is ongoing.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

The sample processing and testing are progressing well as planned. We plan to complete the data analysis for HBV, HDV and HCV genotyping and drug resistant gene testing. The study results will be presented at international meeting and prepare the manuscript for HBV in 2024.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

The PhD student from Nigeria will visit Nigeria again this year to complete nucleic acid extraction of the remaining samples and transport it to Nagasaki University. Drug resistant gene testing by pol gene amplification and sequencing will be done. Genotyping of the HDV and HCV positive samples will be performed.

Causes of Carryover

In 2023 study period, we were not able to complete (1) genotyping and WGS of the HBV samples, (2) HDV genotyping, and HCV genotypig experiments. Therefore there was some left over budget from 2023 study period. We will use this budget together with the 2024 study budget for the following activities, such as (1) to visit Nigeria to conduct additional sample processing and testing, (2) to purchase the necessary reagents and consumables for the genotyping experiments, (3) to attend international conference, and (4) publication of the study results in peer reviewed articles.