Hepatitis B virus genotypes

• Published in: Vaccine Vol. 23; no. 19; pp. 2409 - 2423
• Main Authors: Kramvis, Anna, Kew, Michael, François, Guido
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 31.03.2005; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Animals; Applied microbiology; Biological and medical sciences; Evolution; Evolution, Molecular; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genomes; Genotype; Genotype & phenotype; Genotypes; Geographical distribution; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B - virology; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B virus - classification; Hepatitis B virus - genetics; Humans; Microbiology; Miscellaneous; Molecular Epidemiology; Mutation; Phylogeny; Proteins; Recombination; Serotypes; Subgenotypes; Vaccines, antisera, therapeutical immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies (general aspects); Virology; Viruses; Serotypes; Recombination; Subgenotypes; Virus; Hepadnaviridae; Orthohepadnavirus; Genotype; Serotype; Hepatitis B virus
• ISSN: 0264-410X; 1873-2518
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.10.045

Eight genotypes of hepatitis B virus (A–H) are currently recognized, and subgenotypes have recently been described in four of these genotypes (A, B, C and F). The genotypes show a distinct geographical distribution between and even within regions, and are proving to be an invaluable tool in tracing the molecular evolution and patterns and modes of spread of hepatitis B virus. Structural and functional differences between genotypes can influence the severity, course and likelihood of complications, and response to treatment of hepatitis B virus infection and possibly vaccination against the virus. Although the number of studies on these genotypes has increased dramatically during recent years, much remains to be learnt about their full implications.