Distribution of HBV genotypes F and H in Mexico and Central America.
Antivir Ther
; 18(3 Pt B): 475-84, 2013.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23792777
ABSTRACT
The distribution of HBV genotypes is associated with populations of specific geographical regions of the world. We show data from the GenBank sequence database and medical reports, which indicate that HBV genotype H (HBV/H) is mainly distributed in Mexico, whereas HBV genotype F (HBV/F) is distributed in countries from Central America. The phylogenetic analysis and historical records suggest that HBV/H has been present in Mexico even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Interestingly, occult hepatitis B is a common finding in both natives and patients with chronic liver disease in Mexico. This suggests that an immunogenic background could be important during the natural history of liver diseases. The estimated large number of HBV/H-infected patients in Mexico does not correlate with the total number of patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis reported in the country. This may be because of the fact that HBV infection is often masked by alcoholic liver disease, HCV coinfection and/or obesity. Here, we analyse the data concerning the distribution of HBV/F and HBV/H genotypes in Central America and Mexico. Specifically, we focus on the effect of molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of HBV/H. These recent findings reveal new areas of study with therapeutic potential in viral liver diseases.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vírus da Hepatite B
/
Hepatite B Crônica
Limite:
Humans
País como assunto:
America central
/
Mexico
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article