Hepatitis B virus infection in children, adolescents, and their relatives: genotype distribution and precore and core gene mutations

Abstract

<jats:p>INTRODUCTION:The objectives of this study were evaluate hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers in children and adolescents followed up at the Child Institute of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo; identify chronic HBV carriers and susceptible individuals in the intrafamilial environment; characterize HBV genotypes; and identify mutations in the patients and household contacts. METHODS: Ninety-five hepatitis B surface antigen-positive children aged &lt;19 years and 118 household contacts were enrolled in this study. Commercial kits were used for the detection of serological markers, and PCR was used for genotyping. RESULTS: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was detected in 66.3% (63/95) of cases. Three of the 30 HBeAg-negative and anti-HBeAg-positive patients presented with precore mutations and 11 presented with mutations in the basal core promoter (BCP). Genotype A was identified in 39 (43.8%) patients, genotype D in 45 (50.6%), and genotype C in 5 (5.6%). Of the 118 relatives, 40 were chronic HBV carriers, 52 presented with the anti-HBc marker, 19 were vaccinated, and 7 were susceptible. Among the relatives, genotypes A, D, and C were the most frequent. One parent presented with a precore mutation and 4 presented with BCP mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Genotypes A and D were the most frequent among children, adolescents, and their relatives. The high prevalence of HBV in the families showed the possibility of its intrafamilial transmission.</jats:p>

Temporal trend of hepatitis B surface mutations in the post-immunization period: 9 years of surveillance (2005–2013) in eastern China

“…An estimated 350 million population were chronically HBV infected, with 600,000 deaths annually related to HBV worldwide 2 . In most HBV endemic areas, maternal-infant vertical transmission is a major route for the HBV chronic infection (approaching 90%) 3 , 4 . Interruption of early HBV transmission through effective immunization is the most cost-effective strategy for the prevention of primary infection.…”

Hepatitis B virus in HIV-infected patients in north-eastern South Africa: Prevalence, exposure, protection and response to HAART

“…[2,3] Both infections are of high public health importance. Infection with HBV is not always considered in the management of HIV infection, [4] although co-infection has been associated with increased turnover rate of HIV RNA-increased liver morbidity, and complicated HIV pathology.…”

An in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction: standardisation and comparison with the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor and Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HBV tests for the quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA

“…Genotypes A and D are the most prevalent worldwide (including Brazil), while genotype F is the prevalent genotype in the Americas and genotype C is characteristic of Asian populations and also quite common in the city of São Paulo. Compri et al (2012) identified genotypes A, D, and C in children, adolescents, and their families in SP. Moraes et al (1996) found genotypes A, D, and F in the state of Rio de Janeiro.…”