Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus X gene in HIV-positive South Africans |
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Authors: | Maemu P Gededzha Tsakani H Sondlane Lesibana A Malinga Rosemary J Burnett Ramokone L Lebelo Jason T Blackard M Jeffrey Mphahlele Selokela G Selabe |
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Affiliation: | 1.HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology,Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service,Pretoria,South Africa;2.Division of Digestive Diseases,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine,Cincinnati,USA;3.South African Medical Research Council,Pretoria,South Africa;4.Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service,Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital,Johannesburg,South Africa |
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Abstract: | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide and the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in South Africa. The role of HBV in HCC is not well understood, although the HBV X gene has been implicated as a critical factor. Data on the HBV X gene in HIV-positive South Africans are limited; thus, we investigated X gene variability in 24 HIV-infected treatment-naïve patients at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Quantitative and qualitative HBV DNA tests were conducted using real-time and in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, respectively, targeting the complete HBV X gene. In-house PCR-positive samples were cloned using the P-Gem T-easy vector System II and sequenced. By phylogenetic analysis, X gene sequences were classified as subgenotype A1 (n = 15), A2 (n = 4), and D1 (n = 4), and one dual infection with subgenotypes as A1 and C. The basal core promoter mutations T1753C, A1762T, and G1764A were identified in the majority of sequences. Genotype D sequences had a 6-nucleotide insertion. In conclusion, subgenotype A1 was predominant, and a rare dual infection of HBV genotype A and C was detected. The 6-nucleotide insertion could represent a unique variant in the region and highlights the need for functional studies of HBV X gene variants, particularly from resource-limited settings. |
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