Complete genome sequence of a hepatitis B virus isolate of genotype D2, subtype adrq+, from Brazil

Arch Virol. 2017 Jun;162(6):1695-1700. doi: 10.1007/s00705-017-3269-5. Epub 2017 Feb 8.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified into 10 distinct serological subtypes of the surface antigen (HBsAg) that can be predicted by sequencing of the corresponding S gene. HBV genotype D usually displays determinants of subtypes ayw2 or ayw3. On the other hand, subtype adrq+ has been found exclusively in association with genotype C. Here, we describe the first HBV genome (isolate BR32) belonging to genotype D with the serological subtype adrq+. This isolate had a genome length of 3,062 nucleotides (nt), and no recombination events were observed in the BR32 genome that could explain the occurrence of the subtype adr in a genotype D isolate. Analysis of the quasispecies population revealed that 28 out of 30 clones (93%) were of subtype adrq+, while the subtypes of the two remaining could not be determined, since they contained an S residue (instead of K or R) at position 122 of HBsAg. These results will contribute to further epidemiological and evolutionary studies of HBV.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Brazil
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Genotype
  • Hepatitis B / virology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / classification
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny

Substances

  • DNA, Viral