Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus

Abstract

In addition to high viral copy number during replication, HBV reverse transciptase also does not have a proofreading function, therefore, many HBV genotypes, subgenotypes, mutants and recombinants can emerge. To date, 10 HBV genotypes (A-J) and almost 40 subgenotypes have been identified. Genotype A is dominant in Northwest Europe, North America and Africa; genotype B and C are common in Asian countries; genotype C is more dominant in East and Southeast Asian countries.