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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
[Characterization of hepatitis B virus strains from the Central African Republic: preliminary results]
C Bekondi1, C M Olinger, N Boua
1Laboratoire des hépatites virales, institut Pasteur de Bangui, rue Pasteur, B.P. 923, Bangui, République centrafricaine.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E is predominant in the Central African Republic, with a high prevalence of HBV infection. Genotypes A and D were less common, suggesting importation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Context:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding HBV genotypes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- Limited data exists on HBV genotypes in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Purpose:
- To genotype Hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains from patients in the Central African Republic.
- To compare HBV genotypes in CAR with those found in other African countries.
Summary:
- A study analyzed 196 sera from patients in CAR, revealing a 62% HBsAg prevalence and HBV DNA in 66% of HBsAg-positive sera.
- Ninety-three percent of identified HBV strains belonged to genotype E, with rare occurrences of genotypes A1 and D.
- The predominant HBV genotype E in CAR showed low intragroup variability (1.8%).
Impact:
- This study highlights the predominance of HBV genotype E in CAR, informing regional public health initiatives.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of HBV molecular epidemiology across Africa.
- Identifying imported genotypes A and D aids in tracking viral dissemination patterns.
Objectives:
Genotyping of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains from patients in Central African Republic and comparison with results obtained in other African countries.
Patients And Methods:
Sera were collected from patients admitted with symptoms of acute or chronic hepatitis to the "Hôpital de l'Amitié de Bangui", Central African Republic (CAR). The complete sequence of preS2/S gene has been defined for determining genotypes.
Results:
Hundred and ninety-six sera were collected from 112 men and 84 women. Ninety-two percent of patients had contact with HBV (anti-HBc postitive) and the HBsAg prevalence was about 62%. HBV DNA was detected in 66% of HBsAg positive sera. No HBV-DNA was evidenced among patients with negative HBsAg. Ninety-three percent of the HBV strains belonged to genotype E; one (3.4%) belonged to genotype A1, and one (3.4%) belonged to genotype D.
Conclusions:
The high prevalence of HBV infection in the studied population is due to their recruitment. The genotype E is predominant in CAR and the intragroup variability of HBV genotype E reached only 1.8%. Genotypes A and D were less common in CAR their presence may be explained by importation.
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