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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase gene polymorphism based prediction of genotypes in chronic HBV patients from Western
Yashwant G Chavan1,2, Sharad R Pawar2, Minal Wani1
1Dr. D Y Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Tathwade, Pune 411033. Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune 411018. Maharashtra, India.
Insights
A new method using polymerase gene sequencing can identify Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) genotypes and detect drug resistance mutations. Genotype D was predominant in Western India, with no drug resistance mutations found.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a leading global cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality.
- HBV is classified into distinct genotypes based on variations in its nucleic acid sequence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for HBV genotyping and drug resistance interpretation.
- Utilize partial sequencing of the HBV polymerase gene for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- A nested PCR protocol was employed to amplify the HBV polymerase gene from 98 patient serum samples in Western India.
- Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on the amplified gene fragments.
- The HBVSeq program was used to screen for drug resistance mutations.
Main Results:
- Genotype D was the predominant HBV genotype, found in 77.55% of patients.
- Genotypes A and C were less common, identified in 4.08% and 18.37% of patients, respectively.
- No anti-retroviral drug resistance mutations were detected in any of the analyzed samples.
Conclusions:
- An effective method for HBV genotyping and simultaneous detection of major drug resistance mutations using polymerase gene sequencing has been established.
- HBV genetic diversity is a critical factor that may influence treatment decisions.
Background:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and deaths due to the acute or chronic consequences worldwide. HBV is distributed into various genotypes based on nucleic acid sequence variation.
Objectives:
To develop a method of HBV genotyping and drug resistance interpretation using partial sequencing of polymerase gene.
Methods:
This study was performed on 98 HBV infected patients' serum samples from Western India. A nested PCR protocol was designed for amplification of pol gene from HBV genome and Sanger's sequencing of the gene fragment. Sequences were aligned with HBV reference sequences for phylogenetic analysis and for characterization of genetic diversity. Drug resistance mutations were screened using HBVSeq program from Stanford University.
Results:
Distribution of HBV genotypes showed predominance of genotype D, circulating in 76 (77.55%) patients (p < 0.05). Genotypes A and C were less prevalent and were identified in 4 (4.08%) and 18 (18.37%) patients, respectively. Anti-retroviral drug resistance mutations were not detected in any patient.
Conclusion:
A method for determination of HBV genotypes using pol gene sequencing which simultaneously detects major drug resistance mutations has been established. HBV genetic diversity may play an important role in treatment decision.
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