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01-12-2020 | Hepatitis B | Research

Complete genome analysis of hepatitis B virus in Qinghai-Tibet plateau: the geographical distribution, genetic diversity, and co-existence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies

Authors: He Liu, Liping Shen, Shuang Zhang, Feng Wang, Guomin Zhang, Zundong Yin, Feng Qiu, Xiaofeng Liang, Fuzhen Wang, Shengli Bi

Published in: Virology Journal | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

The genetic variation and origin of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were poorly studied. The coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been described as a puzzle and has never been reported in the indigenous population or in recombinant HBV sequences. This study aimed to report geographical distribution, genetic variability and seroepidemiology of HBV in southwest China.

Methods

During 2014–2017, 1263 HBsAg positive serum were identified and 183 complete genome sequences were obtained. Serum samples were collected from community-based populations by a multistage random sampling method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HBV complete genome sequences. Then recombination, genetic variability, and serological analysis were performed.

Results

(1) Of the 1263 HBsAg positive serum samples, there were significant differences between the distribution of seromarkers in Tibet and Qinghai. (2) Of 183 complete genome sequences, there were 130 HBV/CD1 (71.0%), 49 HBV/CD2 (26.8%) and four HBV/C2 isolates (2.2%). Serotype ayw2 (96.1%) was the main serological subtype. (3) Several nucleotide mutations were dramatically different in CD1 and CD2 sequences. Clinical prognosis-related genetic variations such as nucleotide mutation T1762/A1764 (27.93%), A2189C (12.85%), G1613A (8.94%), T1753C (8.38%), T53C (4.47%) T3098C (1.68%) and PreS deletion (2.23%) were detected in CD recombinants. (4) From the inner land of China to the northeast boundary of India, different geographical distributions between CD1 and CD2 were identified. (5) Twenty-seven (2.14%) HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence serum samples were identified. S protein amino acid mutation and PreS deletion were with significant differences between HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence group and control group.

Conclusions

HBV/CD may have a mixed China and South Asia origin. Based on genetic variations, the clinical prognosis of CD recombinant seems more temperate than genotype C strains in China. The HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence is a result of both PreS deletion and aa variation in S protein. Several unique mutations were frequently detected in HBV/CD isolates, which could potentially influence the clinical prognosis.

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Title: Complete genome analysis of hepatitis B virus in Qinghai-Tibet plateau: the geographical distribution, genetic diversity, and co-existence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies
Authors: He Liu
Liping Shen
Shuang Zhang
Feng Wang
Guomin Zhang
Zundong Yin
Feng Qiu
Xiaofeng Liang
Fuzhen Wang
Shengli Bi
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Hepatitis B
Published in: Virology Journal / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1743-422X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01350-w

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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