Characterization of the Genotypic Profile of Hepatitis Delta Virus: Isolation of HDV Genotype-1 in the Western Amazon Region of Brazil

Abstract

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a hepatotropic subvirus that is dependent on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and supplies the viral envelope containing the surface antigen of hepatitis B. Viral genetic diversity is related to the geographical origin of the isolates, and there are at least eight genotypes that are referred to as HDV-1 through HDV-8. HDV-3 is responsible for epidemics of severe and fulminant hepatitis, which are common in northeastern South America. HDV-3 is prevalent in the Brazilian Amazon and is associated with the increased aggressiveness of HDV infections. Although isolated, the characteristics of the clinical presentation of HDV-1 in the Amazon region have not yet been clearly reported. Objective: This study aims to assess the genotypic and clinical characteristics of individuals with the HDV-1 genotype in the western Amazon region. Methods: The HDV was genotyped by nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing from serum samples of 56 patients with HBV/HDV infection. The genotypes were correlated with the clinical characteristics presented by patients with HBV/HDV infection. Results: A prevalence of 92.3% for the HDV-3 genotype (n = 48) and 7.6% (n = 4) for the HDV-1 genotype was observed. Conclusion: To date, this is the most extensive clinical study of HDV-1 genotype infections in the nonindigenous population of Western Amazonia.

Treatment of hepatitis delta virus genotype 3 infection with peg-interferon and entecavir

“…For the determination of the HDV genotype, all of the previous procedures described by Botelho-Souza et al were followed, including primers, cycle conditions, nucleotide sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. 18…”

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17] Since Brazil shows a more heterogeneous trend in ethnic groups, the present study population comprised Caucasians, Native Americans, and blacks. 18,19 The second concerns the prevailing HDV genotype, which could interfere with combination therapy. It is known that the different genotypes can lead to different clinical outcomes and that HDV genotype 3 (HDV-3) is associated with more severe forms of the disease.…”

Prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis delta virus among chronic hepatitis B carriers in Central Vietnam

“…HDV-1 is the frequently occurring clade and is distributed among Europe, Middle East, America and North Africa [15–18]. HDV-2 to HDV-8 occur regionally [19].…”

HDV infection in immigrant populations

“…HDV-1 is ubiquitous 18 ; more often isolated in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, it has also been isolated in Russia, Africa, Asia, and Brazil. 15,19 HDV-2 is more frequently detected in Japan, Taiwan, and Russia, 15,24 HDV-3 in the Amazon region (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil), HDV-4 in Taiwan and Japan, 14,16,32 HDV-5, HDV-6, HDV-7, and HDV-8 in Africa. 14,16 In addition, HDV-8 has also been isolated in the countryside of the state of Maranhão (Brazil) in two native individuals.…”