[Identification of HBV genotype-specific tag sequences].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the HBV genotype-specific tag sequence. METHODS: The large S region sequences from 930 HBV genomes were aligned to identify the genotype-specific tag sequences. PCR was used to check the genotyping effect of these tags. RESULTS: Two tag sequences, sequence between 149-169 and sequence between 461-483, were identified in the large S region. Using primers specific to these tag sequences, the genotype of HBV can be specifically identified. CONCLUSION: These tag sequences can be used for HBV genotyping.