Objective To survey distribution and mutation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in HBsAg carriers and to provide evidence for prevention and treatment of hepatitis B.
Methods Basic information of selected subjects were collected by a structured questionnaire. HBV genotypes of the subject samples were determined by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the PreS region were performed.
Results Of 144 HBsAg carriers, 8.33% had more than one symptom related to hepatitis in a month before the survey; 17.36% of subjects ordered hepatic function tests and 6.94% did type B ultrasonic examination to liver section in last three years; 20.14% of subjects discovered positive HBsAg in hospital and 79.86% by the current survey; 61.81% of subjects were infected by HBV genotype B and 38.19% by HBV genotype C. In terms of proportion of HBV genotype B and C, 31.25% and 68.75% were found in the local resident group respectively, while 65.62% and 34.38% in the migrant group. By χ2 test, the distribution of HBV genotype in the two groups was significantly different (P < 0.05). In PreS region detection, 6.25% of subjects with genotype C in the local resident group were identified as PreS1, 16.67% and 6.82% of genotype B and C in the migrant group were identified as PreS1 respectively while 2.38% and 4.55% were PreS2 respectively in the same group.
Conclusion The distribution of HBV genotype and PreS region mutation in selected groups are delineated. Some subjects also show active HBV reproduction. It suggests a community-based surveillance system covering HBsAg carriers in order to identify and treat hepatitis in very early stage and improve effectiveness of HBV infection prevention and control.
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