Frequency distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in Iraqi patients

Abstract

Infection with the hepatitis B virus can lead to asymptomatic carrier status, developing into severe chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Ten genotypes (A-J) and 46 sub-genotypes have been discovered. As a result, the current study was conducted to determine HBV genotypes in Iraqi patients. RT-PCR was used to determine the highest viral load in infected subjects and then used for screening HBV genotyping. The results showed that HBV genotype distribution among HBV infected patients was as follows: genotypes C, A, B, and D (8.5%, 5%, 4.3%, and 2.1%, respectively). In addition, the value of the viral load was higher with genotype C compared to A, B, and D HBV genotyping. This study concluded that mono-genotypes prevalent in patients infected with HBV and genotype C were more prevalent. In addition to the existence of a relationship between viral load and genotyping.