Characterization of hepatitis B virus in Amerindian children and mothers from Amazonas State, Colombia

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. In the 1980’s a highly effective and safe vaccine against HBV was developed, although breakthrough infection still occasionally occurs because of the emergence of escape mutants. The aim of this study was to identify HBV genotypes and escape mutants in children and their mothers in Amerindian communities of the Amazonas State, Southern Colombia.MethodsBlood specimens collected from children and mothers belonging to 37 Amerindian communities in Amazonas state, were screened for HBsAg and anti-HBc using ELISA. The partial region containing the S ORF was amplified by nested PCR, and amplicons were sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA 5.05 software.ResultsForty-six children (46/1275, 3.6%) and one hundred and seventy-seven mothers (177/572, 30.9%) were tested positive for the anti-HBc serological marker. Among them, 190 samples were tested for viral genome detection; 8.3% (2/31) serum samples obtained from children and 3.1% (5/159) from mothers were positive for the ORF S PCR. The predominant HBV genotype in the study population was F, subgenotype F1b; in addition, subgenotype F1a and genotype A were also characterized. Two HBV escape mutants were identified, G145R, reported worldwide, and W156*; this stop codon was identified in a child with occult HBV infection. Other mutations were found, L109R and G130E, located in critical positions of the HBsAg sequence.ConclusionsThis study aimed to characterize the HBV genotype F, subgenotypes F1b and F1a, and genotype A in Amerindian communities and for the first time escape mutants in Colombia. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the frequency and the epidemiological impact of the escape mutants in the country.

Prevalence of viral sexually transmitted infections and HPV high-risk genotypes in women in rural communities in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia

“…Almost 10% of the women in this study had antibodies to HBV, which is similar to the 8% reported in other South American countries such as Colombia and Brazil, and thus confirms the high seroprevalence of HBV in the Amazonas region [9,39]. Native Bolivians living in neighboring Department in close proximity to the Amazonas have an even higher HBV burden with a seroprevalence of 27.5% [40].…”

“…Purified DNA from DCCS were assessed by a Taqman real-time PCR assay which identifies 12 high-risk (16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52, 56, 58 and 59) and two low-risk (6 and 11) types, by targeting segments of the E6/E7 region [20]. The amplification was performed in 8 duplex real-time PCR reactions, including the 14 HPV types and the human gene (the β-globin gene) which served as a control for sample quality and overall PCR efficiency.…”

Prevalence of hepatitis B/C viruses and associated factors in key groups attending a health services institution in Colombia, 2019

“…A total of 5,771 individuals who attended the Fundación Antioqueña de Infectología (FAI) were included in the study in the period July to December 2019. The groups comprised individuals from the general population (2,624), MSM (1,100), homeless individuals (1,061), lesbians (15), transgender individuals (41), bisexuals (47), inmates (41), sex workers (380), vulnerable young people (260), and injecting drug users (202), who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being members of one of the key groups of Colombian HIV control policies (with the exception of the general population group that served as a control), participating in intramural or extramural activities of the FAI for STI screening, and being 10 years of age or older (only were included adolescents and adults; after applying these criteria were excluded the individuals who did not sign the assent (for those under 18 years of age) or consent (from 18 years of age) informed, who demanded some type of remuneration to participate in the study, and those whose biological samples were not suitable for carrying out laboratory tests.…”

Approach to women who become pregnant while on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for chronic B hepatitis: A report of two cases

“…10,11 There are many studies about vaccine escape, and HBsAg mutants have been detected in infants born to HBV-infected mothers. 12,13 Mothers who are followed up for chronic hepatitis B may have a baby. However, pregnant women should be closely monitored during pregnancy to prevent exacerbation of hepatitis B and to reduce the risk of HBV transmission to the baby.…”