Resumen

MACHADO, I et al. Elevada circulación del genotipo F del virus de la hepatitis B en población infectada urbana no migratoria y migratoria de Venezuela. Gen [online]. 2011, vol.65, n.2, pp.105-107. ISSN 0016-3503.

Introduction: It has been widely demonstrated that the genotype F of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is dominant in our Amerindian population. Recently, we identified that genotype F is prevalent in HBV non-migratory infected patients living in urban areas. Objective: To determine the genotypes of HBV in migratory chronic carriers compared to non-migratory population. Material and Methods: We investigated 136 chronic HBV carriers, 110 non-immigrants and 26 immigrants of Asian origin. We assessed hepatitis B e-antigen and antibody and HBV genotypes, the latter using PCR. Results: High prevalence (95%) of genotype F persisted among 110 Venezuelan urban patients, with 3 co-infected patients, 2 with genotypes A+F and 1 case with E+F. Interestingly, 2 cases showed HBV genotype D. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) e-antigen positive was diagnosed in 83 patients (80.6%) while 20 cases (19.4%) showed CHB e-antigen negative. In Asian patients infected with one sole genotype, C was identified in 11 cases, B in 4 patients, F in 3, and in 1 case, genotype D. Co-infection was demonstrated among these different genotypes, including one case co-infected with genotype E. Genotype F was found in 4 co-infected patients, 2 with genotype C. Twelve cases had CHB e-antigen positive and 14 CHB e-antigen negative. From patients infected with genotype C, 7 of them (54%), including 2 co-infected with genotype F, demonstrated CHB e-antigen negative. Conclusion: It is remarkable the high circulation of HBV genotype F in our urban areas. However, given the distinct outcome described in CHB genotype F and the identification of other genotypes rather than F in urban areas, suggests that inclusion of HBV genotypes in Venezuela, should be considered standard in the management of CHB regardless the patient’s geographical origin.

Palabras clave : B hepatitis; Genotypes; Chronic hepatitis B.