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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
09:02
Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells
Published on: June 5, 2020
7.4K
Contemporary and historical human migration patterns shape hepatitis B virus diversity
Barney I Potter1, Marijn Thijssen1, Nídia Sequeira Trovão2
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium.
Virus Evolution
|February 16, 2024
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A and D originated in Southeast Asia and spread globally, while genotype E emerged in Africa. Understanding these HBV spread patterns is vital for public health responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes significant global morbidity and mortality, with 296 million chronic cases and 880,000 annual deaths.
- HBV genotype distribution varies geographically, influencing disease severity and treatment response, necessitating characterization of spatiotemporal spread for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history and spatiotemporal spread of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A, D, and E.
- To analyze newly sequenced HBV strains from African immigrants in Belgium alongside global genomic data.
Main Methods:
- Phylogeographic reconstruction incorporating 133 newly sequenced African HBV strains.
- Integration of ancient HBV genomes for genotypes A and D into large-scale global phylogeographic analysis.
Main Results:
- HBV genotypes A and D show evidence of originating in Southeast Asia and subsequently spreading worldwide.
- HBV genotype E is estimated to have originated in Africa before disseminating to Europe and the Americas.
- Distinct spatiotemporal processes were identified for HBV genotypes A, D, and E.
Conclusions:
- Phylogeographic reconstruction is a valuable tool for understanding recent HBV spatiotemporal dynamics.
- Tailored support for vulnerable populations is crucial, considering the specific needs associated with different HBV genotypes.
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