Molecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus in HIV-1 subtype C infected patients in Botswana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health problem especially in sub-Saharan Africa and in East Asia. Ten hepatitis B virus genotypes have been described that differ by geographic distribution, disease progression, and response to treatment. Escape mutations within the surface open reading frame (ORF) affect HBV antigenicity leading to failures in diagnosis, vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy. However, the molecular characteristics of HBV in Botswana, a highly endemic country, are unknown. We describe the molecular characteristics of HBV and prevalence of escape mutants among HIV/HBV coinfected individuals Botswana.

Methods

DNA was extracted from archived plasma samples from 81 HIV/HBV co-infected participants from various clinical studies at the

SUBMITTER: Anderson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4535680 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature