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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.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|July 23, 2025
Summary
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.
