Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus genotype D in females in Karachi, Pakistan

• DOI: 10.3855/jidc.200
• Publication Date: 2009-08-15T09:19:28Z
• Authors: Omar Bagasra; Samina Noorali; Shazia Tabassum H...; David McLean; Shahana U. Kazmi
• Keywords: Hepatitis B

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an etiological agent of acute and chronic liver disease existing throughout the world. The high genetic variability HBV genome reflected by eight genotypes (A to H), each genotype has characteristic geographical distribution, which important epidemiologically. Previous studies from province Sindh, Pakistan, have reported that A D as prevalent genotypes. aim study was investigate prevalence in physically healthy females at two universities Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: Blood collected a total 4,000 female volunteer students serum samples obtained were screened for surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs antibodies immunochromatography ELISA. Genotyping conducted 6 through F). Both genotyping sequencing data positive are described. Results: Out volunteers, 180 (4.5%) tested HBsAg 20 (0.5%) HBs antibodies. All genotyped PCR analyses 21 samples. samples, 150 showed single infection; 29 co-infection D; 1 exhibited C D. Twenty-one representative selected randomly B, D, isolate clustered with respective reference sequence, thus validating strategy. Conclusion: Genotype appears be dominant Karachi's otherwise population.