Epidemic history and evolutionary dynamics of hepatitis B virus infection in two remote communities in rural Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Nigeria, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has reached hyperendemic levels and its nature and origin have been described as a puzzle. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology and epidemic history of HBV infection in two semi-isolated rural communities in North/Central Nigeria. It was expected that only a few, if any, HBV strains could have been introduced and effectively transmitted among these residents, reflecting limited contacts of these communities with the general population in the country.

Methods and findings

Despite remoteness and isolation, approximately 11% of the entire population in these communities was HBV-DNA seropositive. Analyses of the S-gene sequences obtained from 55 HBV-seropositive individuals showed the circulation of 37

SUBMITTER: Forbi JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2906510 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature