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Temporal evolution and global spread of hepatitis B virus genotype G

Jonas Michel Wolf1,2, Sílvia De Carli2, Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno Pereira2

  • 1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular Aplicada à Saúde, ULBRA, Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Canoas, Brazil.

Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|October 31, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus genotype G (HBV-G) originated in the 19th century, likely in North America. This rare HBV genotype spread globally in the late 20th century, with significant dissemination in the 1990s.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Evolution

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • HBV is categorized into genotypes A-J, with varying worldwide prevalence.
  • HBV genotype G (HBV-G) is rare but found across continents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the temporal evolution and global dissemination patterns of HBV genotype G.
  • To compare whole-genome sequences of HBV-G from diverse geographical regions.
  • To elucidate the origin and spread dynamics of HBV-G.

Main Methods:

  • Bayesian coalescent analysis was employed.
  • Estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for HBV-G.
  • Analyzed population dynamics over recent decades.

Main Results:

  • The tMRCA for all HBV-G strains was estimated to be around 1855 (HPD 95%: 1778-1931).
  • HBV-G likely originated in North America and spread to other continents starting in the 1970s.
  • Viral spread was constant from 1855 to the 1980s, increasing in the 1990s, and plateauing post-2000s.

Conclusions:

  • HBV genotype G emerged in the 19th century.
  • Major global spread events occurred in the late 20th century, particularly the 1990s.
  • Dissemination in the 1990s may be linked to high-risk behaviors such as sexual activity and injecting drug use.

Keywords:
Bayesian coalescent analysisHepatitis B virusevolutionary history

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