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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Clinical profile, genotype and management updates of hepatitis B virus

Ajay Kumar1, Manisha Dwivedi, S P Misra

  • 1Centre for Biotechnology, Allahabad Central University, Allahabad, India ; Department of Gastroenterology, MLN Medical College, Allahabad, India.

Indian Journal of Virology : an Official Organ of Indian Virological Society
|May 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis and liver cancer, affecting 400 million globally. Understanding HBV genotypes and mutations is key to managing infection and developing effective antiviral therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant global health concern, causing acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Approximately 400 million people worldwide are HBV carriers, with over 250 million in Asia, leading to 1-2 million deaths annually.
  • HBV is a partially double-stranded DNA virus with a 3.2-kb genome that replicates via reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of HBV genotypes and specific mutations in disease progression and response to antiviral therapy.
  • To understand the epidemiological significance of HBV genotypes and their distinct geographical distributions.
  • To investigate the impact of precore region and basal core promoter mutations on HBeAg synthesis and viral replication.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic sequence data analysis for HBV classification into genotypes (A-H) and serotypes.
  • Identification and characterization of HBV variants associated with HBeAg seroconversion, including precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations.
  • Review of approved antiviral therapies and their mechanisms for suppressing HBV replication.

Main Results:

  • HBV is classified into eight genotypes (A-H) and four serotypes (ayw, ayr, adw, adr) based on genomic and S gene sequence analysis.
  • Precore region mutations can prevent HBeAg synthesis, while the common basal core promoter mutation (A1762T/G1764A) enhances viral replication despite reduced HBeAg expression.
  • Antiviral drugs like Interferon, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, and telbivudine aim to suppress viral replication.

Conclusions:

  • HBV genotypes and serotypes are crucial for understanding infection epidemiology and geographical distribution.
  • Specific HBV mutations, such as BCP mutants, significantly alter viral behavior and disease pathogenesis.
  • Effective antiviral therapies target viral replication, with sustained loss of HBeAg and HBV DNA serving as endpoints for successful treatment.

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