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Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
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Characteristics and evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus quasi-subgenotype B3 in Southeast Asia

Jianmei Gao1, Rongxia Zuo1, Jinli Wang1

  • 1Institute of Basic and Clinical Medicine, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Virology, Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.

Virus Research
|September 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) quasi-subgenotype B3 is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Molecular evolution analysis reveals a steady spread from the 1940s to 1990s, with Yunnan strains potentially being the origin.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Evolution
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Understanding HBV genotypes and subgenotypes is crucial for epidemiology and control.
  • Quasi-subgenotype B3 is recognized but requires further characterization in Southeast Asia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the genetic characteristics of HBV quasi-subgenotype B3.
  • To investigate the molecular evolution and epidemiology of HBV quasi-subgenotype B3 in Southeast Asia.
  • To identify unique genetic markers of HBV quasi-subgenotype B3.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of 411 HBsAg-positive serum samples from Xishuangbanna, China.
  • Whole-genome sequencing of 183 HBV strains.
  • Phylogenetic analysis and molecular evolutionary dynamics analysis (Bayesian sky plot).

Main Results:

  • 183 full-length HBV genomes were obtained, with 139 of genotype B, 41 of genotype C, and 3 of genotype I.
  • 34 genotype B sequences were identified as quasi-subgenotype B3.
  • Sixteen unique nucleotide mutations were identified in quasi-subgenotype B3 strains.
  • The estimated substitution rate was 5.556-5.660 × 10^-4 substitutions/site/year.
  • The most recent common ancestor was estimated between 1847-1945, with Yunnan strains as potential progenitors.
  • Bayesian sky plot indicated a steady spread from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Conclusions:

  • HBV quasi-subgenotype B3 is prevalent in Southeast Asia.
  • Molecular evolution analysis supports a steady spread and potential Yunnan origin.
  • The identified unique mutations are rare, suggesting current vaccines and antivirals may be effective.

Keywords:
Bayesian analysisHepatitis B virusNucleotide substitution rateTime to most recent common ancestor

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