Comparative analysis of HVR sequences of HCV genomes in children who developed a persistent carrier state after mother-to-infant transmission with or without subsequent viral clearance

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Two babies born to HCV-infected mothers were included. Patient A was infected with HCV genotype 2b and Patient B with genotype 1b. Patient B exhibited a spontaneous clearance of HCV at the age of 4. Sequence similarity comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of HCV strains were derived from serum samples of them. Evolution of the HVR-1 was investigated by analyzing the quasispecies heterogeneity and diversity among samples.In Patient A who presented persistent HCV infection, the quasispecies changed drastically at 10 months of age. The major strain of HVR-1 changed sequentially and drastically. On the other hand, in Patient B, the quasispecies was almost homogenous. The number detection of amino acid substitutions was only one or two throughout the follow up period. Eventually infantile immune response changes the HCV population from quasispecies to homogenous nature. The evolution of HVR-1 during the second half of infancy may contribute to the viral persistence in the host.