Distribution of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes in Two Different Pediatric Populations from Argentina |
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| Authors: | V. A. Mbayed, J. L. L pez, P. F. S. Telenta, G. Palacios, I. Badí a, A. Ferro, C. Galoppo, R. Campos |
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| Affiliation: | V. A. Mbayed, J. L. López, P. F. S. Telenta, G. Palacios, I. Badía, A. Ferro, C. Galoppo, and R. Campos |
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| Abstract: | Differences in pathogenesis and the probability of becoming a chronic carrier depend on the age at which hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is acquired, ranging from 82% in infants less than 6 months of age to 15 to 30% in older children. HBV genotypes from 22 pediatric patients from two areas that differ in prevalence have been determined. Phylogenetic analysis shows a clear difference between the genotype distribution in Buenos Aires, a low-prevalence area, and that found in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, a high-prevalence area. While the analysis allocated the sequences in the Buenos Aires group to genotypes A (36%), D (9%), and F (55%), the Gualeguay group presented exclusively genotype A isolates with very low nucleotide divergence, which suggests a strong founder viral population. The high prevalence of genotype F in the Buenos Aires group and its high intragroup heterogeneity agree with the American origin of this genotype. |
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