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Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
Subgenotype reclassification of genotype B hepatitis B virus
Weifeng Shi1, Chaodong Zhu, Wei Zheng
1Guangzhou Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nansha, 511458, Guangzhou, China. wf.shi@giat.ac.cn
BMC Gastroenterology
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype B subgenotypes require reclassification. This study proposes a new HBV genotype B subgenotype classification based on phylogenetic and sequence divergence analyses for improved accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype B has nine identified subgenotypes, but their designations were often based on limited strains.
- Subgenotype B6 was inconsistently assigned to viruses from different origins, highlighting classification issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate and clarify the classification of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype B subgenotypes.
- To establish a more accurate and robust subgenotype classification system for HBV genotype B.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of all complete genome sequences of HBV genotype B.
- Assessment of sequence divergences between potential HBV genotype B subgenotypes.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic and sequence divergence analyses supported subgenotypes B1, B2, B4, and Arctic B6.
- Limited sequence divergence (<4%) was observed among previously designated B3, B5, B7, B8, B9, and Chinese B6.
- Subgenotype B3 lacked monophyly, indicating potential overlap or misclassification.
Conclusions:
- Original subgenotypes B5, B7, B8, B9, and Chinese B6 are not distinct and should be considered part of a quasi-subgenotype B3.
- Arctic B6 should be renamed B5 for consistent numbering.
- The proposed classification is supported by phylogenetic and sequence divergence data (>4%).
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