Subgenotype and genetic variability in the precore/core regions of hepatitis B virus in korean patients with chronic liver disease

Kwang Soo Lyoo, Sung Woo Hong, Myeong Jun Song, Wonhee Hur, Jung Eun Choi, Lian Shu Piao, Jeong Won Jang, Si Hyun Bae, Jong Young Choi, Jung Wha Park, Sang Wook Choi, Seung Kew Yoon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes, the spectrum of mutations in the precore/core region through phylogenetic analysis, and the relevance of viral characteristics in disease progression in Korean patients. Methods: 133 patients with chronic HBV infection were enrolled. The precore and core region of HBV was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed for subgenotyping and the changes of nucleotides and amino acid were compared in liver disease stages. Results: HBV/C2 subgenotype was predominant in chronic HBV carriers (98.5%), followed by HBV/A2 (0.75%) and HBV/C7 (0.75%). The mutations of the precore region were not different between liver disease stages. However, amino acid changes in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope (p < 0.020), CD4+ T cell epitope (p < 0.027), or B cell epitope (p < 0.029) were significantly higher in liver cirrhosis patients than in chronic hepatitis patients, but not in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Conclusion: HBV/C2 is the most prevalent subgenotype in Korea, and HBV/C7 subgenotype found in the Philippines was first identified in the Korean population. Mutations in immune epitopes within the core gene were significantly associated with disease progression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)333-338
Number of pages6
JournalIntervirology
Volume54
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011

Keywords

  • C2 subgenotype
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Korea
  • Phylogenetic analysis
  • Precore/core region

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