Genotype determination in Moroccan hepatitis B chronic carriers

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health concern in Morocco.
• Treatment challenges include the emergence of HBV escape mutants, particularly with genotypes linked to severe disease.
• Limited comprehensive studies exist on HBV genotype prevalence in Morocco.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of different hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in Morocco.
• To establish a baseline understanding of HBV epidemiology in the region.

Main Methods:

• Prospective collection of epidemiological data from 91 chronically infected patients.
• Serological testing for HBV markers (anti-HBc IgG, HBeAg, anti-HBe).
• Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing of the pre-S/S region to determine HBV genotypes.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype D, specifically pattern D2, was identified in 77 amplified cases (84.6%).
• Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Moroccan genotype D strains exhibit unique characteristics compared to other subgenotypes.
• A high prevalence of the pre-core mutant (HBeAg-negative/anti-HBe-positive, HBV DNA positive) was detected in 86% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Genotype D is the predominant hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in Morocco.
• The pre-core mutant of HBV is highly prevalent in the Moroccan population.
• Findings underscore the need for further research into genotype-specific treatment strategies and public health interventions.