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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and Subgenotypes Circulating in Belarus
Vladimir Eremin1, Fedor Karpenko1, Igor Karpov2
1Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Transfusiology and Medical Biotechnology, 220053 Minsk, Belarus.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype D is dominant in Belarus, with over 80% of cases. While vaccination helps, chronic HBV persists, driven by local viral strains and occasional new introductions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Belarus reports 800-900 new chronic hepatitis B cases annually.
- Despite vaccination, an estimated 75,000 individuals live with chronic hepatitis B.
- Understanding HBV genotypes is crucial for managing the epidemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in Belarus.
- To determine the role of these genotypes in sustaining the HBV epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Serological assays (CMIA, ELISA) were employed.
- Molecular techniques including PCR and sequencing were utilized.
- Bioinformatic phylogenetic analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B virus genotype D was predominant (81.7%).
- Genotype A was identified in 17.7% of samples.
- Genotypes B and C were rare (0.1% and 0.3%, respectively), with two recombinant forms detected (0.2%).
Conclusions:
- The HBV epidemic in Belarus is primarily maintained by local viral variants.
- Genotype D is the dominant circulating strain.
- Occasional introduction of new genetic variants from external sources is observed.
Abstract:
Approximately 800-900 new cases of chronic forms of hepatitis B are reported in Belarus annually. Compulsory vaccination, introduced to the country in the mid-90s, produces a certain positive effect on reducing the number of HBV cases. However, around 75,000 patients with chronic hepatitis B are estimated to live in the country at the moment. The main goal of this research was to determine the genotypes/subgenotypes of the hepatitis B virus and establish their role in maintaining the epidemic process in the country. Serological (CMIA, ELISA), molecular biological (PCR, sequencing), and bioinformatic (phylogenetic analysis) methods have been used to obtain results. As studies have shown, in 722 (81.7%) samples, genotype D has been determined; in 156 (17.7%), genotype A; in 3 (0.3%), genotype C; and only in 1 sample (0.1%), genotype B. In two cases (0.2%), a recombinant form of the hepatitis B virus has been detected. The epidemic process of hepatitis B in the country is supported mainly by the circulation of "local" variants of the virus. At the same time, there are occasional introductions of new genetic variants from outside of the country.
