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Published on: December 15, 2023
[Hepatitis B virus genotypes and evolutionary markers in chronic HBsAG patients in Bujumbura]
Rénovat Ntagirabiri1, Belyse Munezero2, Caritas Nahimana3
1Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge, Bujumbura, Burundi; Centre des maladies digestives et du Foie, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype A is prevalent in Bujumbura, associated with inactive carriers. This finding impacts understanding HBV evolution and treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to severe complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- HBV genotypes significantly influence disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalent HBV genotypes among chronic Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients.
- To investigate the evolutionary pathways of chronic HBV infection in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 33 patients conducted between June 2013 and May 2014.
- Genotyping, HBeAg quantification, and HBV DNA levels were assessed.
- Fibrosis was evaluated using Fibrotest or FibroScan.
Main Results:
- Genotype A was identified in 51 patients with sufficient viral load for testing.
- A majority of patients (78.3%) were HBeAg negative, with 74.2% having low viral loads (<2000 IU/mL).
- A smaller group (26.8%) had higher viral loads (>2000 IU/mL), with 31 of these being HBeAg positive.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B virus genotype A is the most common genotype observed in Bujumbura.
- HBV genotype A is associated with inactive HBV carriers in this population.
- Understanding genotype distribution is crucial for managing HBV infection and optimizing treatment strategies.
Introduction:
Hepatitis B virus infection (VHB) is a serious condition which can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genotypes greatly influence its evolution and the effectiveness of treatment. The aim was to evaluate the HBV genotypes and the evolutionary pathways of chronic HBsAG patients.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital of Kamenge and at the Digestive and liver diseases Center "CEMADIF" between June 2013 and Mai 2014. Genotyping, quantitative assay of HBeAG and HBV DNA levels were determined in the CERBA Laboratory Cergy Pontoise, France. Fibrotest or Fibroscan were used to evaluate fibrosis.
Results:
In total 33 patients (52,4% were males, median age 38,1) were enrolled. According to evolutionary markers, 112 patients (78,3%) had negative HBeAG. As regards the viral load, 106 patients (74,2%) had viremia lower than 2000UI/ml and minimal fibrosis below 7 kPa according FibroScan. Of these, 13 patients had undetectable HBV DNA (<20UI/ml). The others 37 patients (26,8%) had a viral load higher than 2000UI/ml and, among them, 31 were HBeAg positive(>0,8UI/ml). It was possible to determine genotype in 51 patients who had a high enough viremia to technically enable dosing. These patients had genotype A.
Conclusion:
HBV genotype-A is the most common in Bujumbura. It is associated with HBV inactive carries.
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