Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in the general population of Myanmar via nationwide study

• Published in: BMC infectious diseases Vol. 20; no. 1; p. 552
• Main Authors: Kyaw, Yi Yi, Lwin, Aye Aye, Aye, Khin Saw, Thu, Hlaing Myat, Htun, Moh Moh, Soe, Hnin Ohmar, Aye, Kay Thi, Thant, Kyaw Zin, Hwang, Hyeon Jeong, Cheong, JaeHun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 29.07.2020; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Adult; Antigens; Antiviral agents; Base Sequence; Biotechnology; Chromatography, Affinity; Chronic illnesses; Cross-Sectional Studies; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Disease transmission; DNA; DNA sequencing; DNA, Viral - genetics; Epidemiology; Female; Gene sequencing; Genes; Genetic aspects; Genomes; Genomics; Genotype; Genotype & phenotype; Genotypes; Genotyping; Geographical distribution; Health aspects; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B - blood; Hepatitis B - epidemiology; Hepatitis B - virology; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - immunology; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B virus - genetics; Hepatitis B virus - immunology; Heterogeneity; Humans; Infection; Infections; Infectious diseases; Informed consent; Liver; Liver diseases; Male; Medical treatment; Middle Aged; Mutation; Myanmar; Myanmar - epidemiology; Nucleotide sequence; Nucleotides; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Population; Prevalence; Proteins; Studies; Sub-genotype; Thermal cycling; Viruses; Young Adult; Myanmar; Myanmar (Burma); Thailand; Asia; China; India; Myanmar; Genotype; Hepatitis B virus; Sub-genotype
• ISSN: 1471-2334; 1471-2334
• DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05269-z

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are a severe health concern worldwide. HBV is a DNA virus with a rapid rate of mutation. Based on heterogeneity of the nucleotide sequence, the HBV strains are divided into nine genotypes, each with a characteristic geographical distribution. Identifying and tracking alterations of HBV genotypes is important in epidemiological and transmission studies, and contributes to predicting the risk for development of severe liver disease and response to antiviral treatment. The present study was undertaken to detect HBV genotypes and sub-genotypes in the general population of different states and regions in Myanmar. In 2015, a total of 5547 adults of the general population, residing in seven states, seven regions and the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, were screened for Hepatitis B Surface antigen (HBsAg) by the immunochromatographic test (ICT). Of the 353 HBsAg positive samples, the HBVDNA was identified using polymerase chain reactions (PCR) targeting the DNA sequences encoding the Pre-S region. A total of 153 PCR positive samples were subsequently subjected to genotyping by partial genome sequencing in both directions. The resulting sequences were then edited, aligned, and compared with reference sequences using the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) web-based genotyping tool. Three HBV genotypes (HBV genotype B, genotype C and genotype D) were detected in Myanmar, of which genotype HBV genotype C (66.7%) was the most prevalent, followed by HBV genotype D (32%) and HBV genotype B (1.3%). Sub-genotyping revealed a total of 7 variants within the B, C and D genotypes: 2 (B4 and B5) in HBV genotype B, 3 (C1, C5 and C7) in HBV genotype C, and 2 (D3 and D6) in HBV genotype D. HBV genotype C, sub-genotype C1 was predominantly distributed in all states and regions of Myanmar. This study is the first report on the nationwide distribution of HBV genotypes and sub-genotypes in Myanmar. We believe our findings will enable huge support for the hepatitis disease surveillance program, since HBV infection is one of the National Priority Diseases in Myanmar.