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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
HBV genotypic variability in Cuba
Carmen L Loureiro1, Julio C Aguilar2, Jorge Aguiar2
1Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Ceular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genetic diversity in Cuba reflects population admixture, with genotype A being most common, followed by genotype D. These findings correlate with the island's European and African genetic heritage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genetic diversity often mirrors human population admixture.
- Understanding HBV genotypic distribution is crucial for public health and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genotypic diversity of HBV isolates in Cuba.
- To correlate HBV genotypes with the genetic background of the Cuban population.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of the S genomic region of Cuban HBV isolates.
- Analysis of complete genome or precore-core sequences for selected isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine HBV genotypes and subgenotypes.
Main Results:
- Genotype A was the most frequent (67%), predominantly A2, followed by genotype D (31%) with diverse subgenotypes (D1-D7).
- Genotypes E, H, and B3 were also identified, suggesting recent introductions.
- Precore region mutations were more prevalent in genotype D than in genotype A.
Conclusions:
- The HBV genotypic distribution in Cuba aligns with the predominantly European and African ancestry of its population.
- HBV genotypes E, B3, and H may represent more recent introductions into the island.
Abstract:
The genetic diversity of HBV in human population is often a reflection of its genetic admixture. The aim of this study was to explore the genotypic diversity of HBV in Cuba. The S genomic region of Cuban HBV isolates was sequenced and for selected isolates the complete genome or precore-core sequence was analyzed. The most frequent genotype was A (167/250, 67%), mainly A2 (149, 60%) but also A1 and one A4. A total of 77 isolates were classified as genotype D (31%), with co-circulation of several subgenotypes (56 D4, 2 D1, 5 D2, 7 D3/6 and 7 D7). Three isolates belonged to genotype E, two to H and one to B3. Complete genome sequence analysis of selected isolates confirmed the phylogenetic analysis performed with the S region. Mutations or polymorphisms in precore region were more common among genotype D compared to genotype A isolates. The HBV genotypic distribution in this Caribbean island correlates with the Y lineage genetic background of the population, where a European and African origin prevails. HBV genotypes E, B3 and H isolates might represent more recent introductions.
