Disparate distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in four sub-Saharan African countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) places a substantial health burden on Africa. Here, we investigated genetic diversity of HBV variants circulating in 4 countries of sub-Saharan Africa using archived samples. In total, 1492 plasma samples were tested from HIV-infected individuals and pregnant women, among which 143 (9.6%) were PCR-positive for HBV DNA (Côte d'Ivoire, 70/608 [11.5%]; Ghana, 13/444 [2.9%]; Cameroon, 33/303 [10.9%]; and Uganda, 27/137 [19.7%]).

Study design/results

Phylogenetic analysis of the S-gene sequences identified HBV genotypes E (HBV/E, n=96) and A (HBV/A, n=47) distributed as follows: 87% of HBV/E and 13% of HBV/A in Côte d'Ivoire; 100% of HBV/E in Ghana; 67% of HBV/E and 33% of HBV/A in Cameroon; and 100% of HBV/A in Uganda. The average and maximal n

SUBMITTER: Forbi JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4591023 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature