Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
11:14
Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
18.7K
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
Summary
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.
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
38.3K
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
38.3K
02:33Retroviruses
13.9K
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
13.9K
01:27Horizontal Gene Transfer
883
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a process where genetic material moves between organisms within the same generation, unlike vertical gene transfer, which occurs from parent to offspring. HGT plays a crucial role in microbial evolution, adaptation, and survival, particularly in shared environments like the human gut.Mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, prophages, integrons, insertion sequences, and transposons facilitate this process. HGT occurs through three primary mechanisms:...
883
00:57Viral Recombination
24.5K
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
24.5K
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
478
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
478