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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Subgenotype D4 in Northeast Brazil: an Ancient Relic from African Continent?

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Author(s):
Cruz-Santos, Max D. [1, 2, 3] ; Gomes-Gouvea, Michele S. [1, 2] ; Costa-Nunes, Jomar D. [4] ; Malta-Romano, Camila [5, 6] ; Teles-Sousa, Marinilde [4] ; Fonseca-Barros, Lena M. [4] ; Carrilho, Flair J. [1, 2] ; Paiva-Ferreira, Adalgisa de S. [4] ; Rebello-Pinho, Joao R. [1, 7, 2, 3]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Gastroenterol, Sch Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Trop Gastroenterol & Hepatol Joao Alves Queir, LIM 07, Sao Paulo Inst Trop Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] CNpq Brasil, Brasilia, DF - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Maranhao, Ctr Clin Res, Sao Luis, Maranhao - Brazil
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Virol, LIM 52, Sao Paulo Inst Trop Med, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Infect Dis, Sch Med, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[7] Hosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: ANNALS OF HEPATOLOGY; v. 17, n. 1, p. 54-63, JAN-FEB 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

Introduction. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to a chronic liver disease that is distributed worldwide. The characterization of HBV into genotypes/subgenotypes is not only a mere procedure for distinguishing different HBV strains around the world because determining their geographic distribution is crucial to understanding their spread across the world. Material and methods. We characterized different HBV genotypes and subgenotypes in five municipalities located in northeastern Maranhao, in the Brazilian north Atlantic coast. 92 HBsAg-positive individuals were submitted to PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Fifty samples were sequenced using automated Sanger sequencing and classified by phylogenetic methods. Results. Subgenotypes D4 and A1 were found in 42 (84%) and eight (16%) samples, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe a high frequency of subgenotype D4 in any population. Subgenotype A1 is frequently found across Brazil, but D4 has been rarely detected and only in a few Brazilian states. This study shows the characterization of HBV subgenotypes from a population based study in the state of Maranhao, particularly in populations that do not have frequent contact with populations from other regions of the world. Conclusion. Our findings showed a HBV subgenotype profile that probably reflect the viruses that were brought with the slave trade from Africa to Maranhao. This study also reinforces the need to evaluate the status of HBV dispersion not only in large urban centers, but also in the hinterland, to enable the implementation of effective control and treatment measures. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/53946-3 - Acquisition of a genetic analyzer for automated DNA sequencing
Grantee:João Renato Rebello Pinho
Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program