Long-term evolution of hepatitis B virus genotype F: Strong association between viral diversification and the prehistoric settlement of Central and South America

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Genotypes in an Ecuadorian Population: A Preliminary Study

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 257-291 million people worldwide. The World Health Organization reported 890,000 HBV-related deaths in 2019, higher than reported previously. There are 10 HBV genotypes (A-J) subdivided into several subgenotypes that differ considerably by geography. Various virologic factors, including genotype and subgenotype, impact the odds of acquiring a chronic HBV infection, the type of treatment prescribed, and the risk of developing hepatocarcinoma. Information on the HBV genotypes and subgenotypes that circulate in Ecuador remains low. To address this gap, the current study took a preliminary look at HBV-infected human samples from this region to identify the most common genotypes and subgenotypes. Samples from 44 patients in the Andean, Coastal, and Amazon regions of Ecuador were amplified and two major genotypes were identified, genotype F (42/44; 95.5%) and genotype E (2 patients; 4.5%). The genotype F subgenotypes were F3 (35/42; 83.33%), F4 (6/42; 14.28%), and F1b (1/42, 2.39%). This is the first epidemiological study to assess the distribution of HBV genotypes in Ecuador. The findings can inform antiviral drug effectivity studies specific to HBV genotypes prevalent in South America.

A review of epidemiology and clinical relevance of Hepatitis B virus genotypes and subgenotypes

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health burden, affecting nearly 300 million people around the world. Due to HBV population is considered to be represented as a viral quasispecies with genetic diversity, some reports showed that different genotypes of HBV have different viral effects, though the emergence of antiviral drugs that effectively inhibit viral replication, however, HBV infection has still not been eradicated and further research is needed.

SUMMARY

HBV has been classified into at least ten genotypes (A-J)  and more than 40 subgenotypes based on an intergroup or intragroup nucleotide difference across the whole genome, respectively. Inter genotypic recombinants were also observed during the HBV evolution. HBV genotypes and subgenotypes have distinct ethno-geographical distributions, as well as evident differences in their biological characteristics. HBV genotypes and subgenotypes also have close association with disease severity, long-term clinical outcomes, and response to antiviral therapy.

KEYMESSAGES

In this review, we up-dated the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features and prognosis of HBV infection with dissimilar genotype/subgenotypes, to better understanding and developing individualized prevention and treatment strategies.

The Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes E to J: The Overlooked Genotypes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes E to J are understudied genotypes. Genotype E is found almost exclusively in West Africa. Genotypes F and H are found in America and are rare in other parts of the world. The distribution of genotype G is not completely known. Genotypes I and J are found in Asia and probably result from recombination events with other genotypes. The number of reported sequences for HBV genotypes E to J is small compared to other genotypes, which could impact phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses. Genotype F is the most divergent of the HBV genotypes and is subdivided into six subgenotypes F1 to F6. Genotype E may be a recent genotype circulating almost exclusively in sub-Saharan Africa. Genotype J is a putative genotype originating from a single Japanese patient. The paucity of data from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America is due to the under-representation of these regions in clinical and research cohorts. The purpose of this review is to highlight the need for further research on HBV genotypes E to J, which appear to be overlooked genotypes.

Tracing the evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H endemic to Mexico

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads efficiently among all human populations worldwide. HBV is classified into ten genotypes (A to J) with their geographic distribution and clinical features. In Mexico, HBV genotype H is the leading cause of hepatitis B and has been detected in indigenous populations, suggesting that HBV genotype H may be native to Mexico. However, little is known about the evolutionary history of HBV genotype H. Thus, we aimed to determine the age of HBV genotype H in Mexico using molecular dating techniques. Ninety-two HBV sequences of the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of the polymerase gene (~1,251 bp) were analyzed; 48 were genotype H, 43 were genotype F, and the oldest HBV sequence from America was included as the root. All sequences were aligned, and the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) time was calculated using the Bayesian Skyline Evolutionary Analysis. Our results estimate a TMRCA for the genotype H in Mexico of 2070.9 (667.5-4489.2) years before the present (YBP). We identified four major diversification events in genotype H, named H1, H2, H3, and H4. The TMRCA of H1 was 1213.0 (253.3-2638.3) YBP, followed by H2 1175.5 (557.5-2424.2) YBP, H3 949.6 (279.3-2105.0) YBP, and H4 1230.5 (336.3, 2756.7) YBP. We estimated that genotype H diverged from its sister genotype F around 8140.8 (1867.5-18012.8) YBP. In conclusion, this study found that genotype H in Mexico has an estimated age of 2070.9 (667.5-4489.2) YBP and has experienced at least four major diversification events since then.

Mapping hepatitis B virus genotypes on the African continent from 1997 to 2021: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has ten genotypes (A-J) and over 40 sub-genotypes based on the divergence of ≥ 8% and 4 to < 8% in the complete genome respectively. These genotypes and sub-genotypes influence the disease prognosis, response to therapy and route of viral transmission. Besides, infection with mixed genotypes and recombinant genotypes has also been reported. This study aimed at mapping the de novo genotypes and correlate them with the immigration trends in order to inform future research on the underlying reasons for the relative distribution of HBV genotypes from a large sample size pooled from many primary studies. Data was extracted from 59 full research articles obtained from Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Willy library, African Journal Online (AJOL) and Google Scholar. Studies that investigated the genotypes, sub-genotypes, mixed genotypes and recombinant were included. The Z-test and regression were used for the analysis. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42022300220. Overall, genotype E had the highest pooled prevalence significantly higher than all the other genotypes (P < 0.001). By region, genotype A posted the highest pooled prevalence in eastern and southern Africa, E in west Africa and D in north Africa (P < 0.0001). Regarding the emerging genotypes B and C on the African continent, genotype B was significantly higher in south Africa than C (P < 0.001). In contrast, genotype C was significantly higher in east Africa than west Africa (P < 0.0001). The A1 and D/E were the most diverse sub-genotypes and genotype mixtures respectively. Finally, we observed a general progressive decrease in the prevalence of predominant genotypes but a progressive increase in the less dominant by region. Historical and recent continental and intercontinental migrations can provide a plausible explanation for the HBV genotype distribution pattern on the African continent.

Genetic diversity of human papillomavirus (HPV) as specified by the detection method, gender, and year of sampling: a retrospective cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

This study assesses HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in Lebanon, and identifies differentials in HPV infection, infection with multiple genotypes, and with high-risk genotypes, by sex, age, and year of data collection.

METHODS

Study participants comprised 1042 female and 160 male participants between 2006 and 2018. HPV genotyping was done by PCR and hybridization (2006-2013) or real-time PCR (2013 onwards). Diversity of HPV genotypes across gender, age groups, and years of data collection was tested by applying Shannon Diversity Index.

RESULTS

The overall HPV prevalence was 44.8% among study participants, and threefold higher in women than men. Single HPV infection was seen in two-third of HPV-positive participants. Women were less likely to be infected with multiple HPV strains, but more likely to be infected with high-risk or mixed-risk HPV genotypes. HPV-16 (11.0%, 9.8%) and HPV-53 (8.5%, 4.9%) were the most prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes in women and men, respectively, while HPV-18 prevalence was 4.9% in men and 3.1% in women, while HPV-59 prevalence was 6.6% in men and 2.1% in women. Samples collected post-2011 from women showed twice higher odds of HPV infection than those collected earlier and were threefold more likely to be infected with multiple HPV strains, and twice more likely to be infected with high-risk genotypes compared to those tested earlier. Women scored higher on Shannon index indicating high diversity in HPV types and frequency, with trend of increased diversity over time. While the odds of HPV infection remained associated with sex and temporal trend in multivariable analysis, odds of having high-risk genotypes was mainly associated with infection with multiple HPV strains.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed high diversity in HPV genotypes and an increasing trend of infection with multiple and high-risk genotypes in recent years. Findings underscore the need for effective screening/surveillance and HPV vaccination programs.

Disease-causing human viruses: novelty and legacy

About 270 viruses are known to infect humans. Some of these viruses have been known for centuries, whereas others have recently emerged. During their evolutionary history, humans have moved out of Africa to populate the world. In historical times, human migrations resulted in the displacement of large numbers of people. All these events determined the movement and dispersal of human-infecting viruses. Technological advances have resulted in the characterization of the genetic variability of human viruses, both in extant and in archaeological samples. Field studies investigated the diversity of viruses hosted by other animals. In turn, these advances provided insight into the evolutionary history of human viruses back in time and defined the key events through which they originated and spread.

Molecular and biological characterization of hepatitis B virus subgenotype F1b clusters: Unraveling its role in hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype F1b infection has been associated with the early occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronically infected patients from Alaska and Peru. In Argentina, however, despite the high prevalence of subgenotype F1b infection, this relationship has not been described. To unravel the observed differences in the progression of the infection, an in-depth molecular and biological characterization of the subgenotype F1b was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of subgenotype F1b full-length genomes revealed the existence of two highly supported clusters. One of the clusters, designated as gtF1b Basal included sequences mostly from Alaska, Peru and Chile, while the other, called gtF1b Cosmopolitan, contained samples mainly from Argentina and Chile. The clusters were characterized by a differential signature pattern of eight nucleotides distributed throughout the genome. In vitro characterization of representative clones from each cluster revealed major differences in viral RNA levels, virion secretion, antigen expression levels, as well as in the localization of the antigens. Interestingly, a differential regulation in the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis was also identified. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the molecular and biological characteristics of the subgenotype F1b clusters and contributes to unravel the different clinical outcomes of subgenotype F1b chronic infections.

Biological Characterization of Hepatitis B virus Genotypes: Their Role in Viral Replication and Antigen Expression

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) inter-host evolution has resulted in genomic diversification reflected in the existence of nine genotypes (A-I) and numerous subgenotypes. There is growing evidence that genotypes influence HBV natural history, clinical outcomes, and treatment response. However, the biological characteristics underlying these differences have not yet been established. By transfecting HuH-7 cells with unit-length constructs of genotypes A2, B2, C1, D1, and F1b, we identified major differences in HBV replicative capacity and antigen expression across genotypes. Genotypes B2 and F1b showed a 2-fold increase in cccDNA levels compared to the other genotypes (p<0.005). Genotype A2 expressed the lowest pgRNA levels, with a 70-fold decrease in relation to the other genotypes (p<0.0001), while genotype B2 showed the lowest Precore RNA levels, with a 100-fold reduction compared to genotype A2 (p<0.0001). The highest intracellular HBV DNA levels were observed for genotype B2 and the lowest for genotypes A2 and C1 (p<0.0001). Regarding antigen expression, genotype F1b secreted the highest HBsAg levels and genotype D1 the lowest (p<0.0001), while genotypes A2 and B2 showed the highest intracellular HBsAg levels (p<0.0001). Interestingly, genotype C1 secreted the highest HBeAg levels, while genotype A2 showed the highest intracellular levels (p<0.0001). Finally, the analysis of the intra/extracellular antigen ratios revealed that most genotypes retained intracellularly 5-20% of the antigens, except the genotype A2 that retained 50% of the total expressed antigens. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the biological characteristics of HBV genotypes, being the first study to comparatively analyze European (A and D) and Asian (B and C) genotypes with the Latin American (F) genotype. The differences in HBV replication and antigen expression might contribute to understand the differential role of genotypes in pathogenesis.

Hepatitis B in the Northwestern region of Sao Paulo State: genotypes and resistance mutations

In Brazil, few studies on the molecular aspects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been conducted in the interior regions of Sao Paulo State. This study aimed to identify HBV genotypes and evaluate strains with resistance mutations for nucleoside analogues in the Administrative Region (AR) of the municipality of Sao Jose do Rio Preto. We performed nested PCRs of 127 samples from the Health Care Services of the AR to amplify, sequence and analyze fragments of the HBV DNA, in order to identify genotypes and resistance mutations. The HBV S/Pol regions of 126 samples were successfully amplified and sequenced. Five different genotypes were found, and the main ones were A, D and F; a greater number of samples contained the subgenotypes A1 (n = 51; 40.5%), D3 (n = 36; 28.6%), A2 (n = 14; 11.1%) and F2a (n = 9; 7.1%). Resistance mutations (rtM204V/I/S) associated or not with compensatory mutations (rtL180M, rtV173L) were identified in 13.9% (5/36) of patients undergoing viral treatment and 1.1% (1/90) of naïve patients. The diversity of genotypes/subgenotypes found is probably due to the intense migration occurring in the region. These data can complement epidemiological and clinical surveillance, and can be used for a more effective management of chronic HBV patients.

Variability in the response of HBV D-subgenotypes to antiviral therapy: designing pan D-subgenotypic reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Nucleos(t)ide analogues entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are recommended as first-line monotherapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Multiple HBV genotypes/subgenotypes have been described, but their impact on treatment response remains largely elusive. We investigated the effectiveness of ETV/TDF on HBV/D-subgenotypes, D1/D2/D3/D5, studied the structural/functional differences in subgenotype-specific reverse transcriptase (RT) domains of viral polymerase and identified novel molecules with robust inhibitory activity on various D-subgenotypes. Transfection of Huh7 cells with full-length D1/D2/D3/D5 and in vitro TDF/ETV susceptibility assays demonstrated that D1/D2 had greater susceptibility to TDF/ETV while D3/D5 exhibited poorer response. Additionally, HBV load was substantially reduced in TDF-treated CHB patients carrying D1/D2 but minimally reduced in D3/D5-infected patients. Comparison of RT sequences of D-subgenotypes led to identification of unique subgenotype-specific residues and molecular modeling/docking/simulation studies depicted differential bindings of TDF/ETV to the active site of their respective RTs. Replacement of signature residues in D3/D5 HBV clones with corresponding amino acids seen in D1/D2 improved their susceptibility to TDF/ETV. Using high throughput virtual screening, we identified N(9)-[3-fluoro-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl] (FPMP) derivatives of purine bases, including N⁶-substituted (S)-FPMP derivative of 2,6-diaminopurine (DAP) (OB-123-VK), as potential binders of RT of different D-subgenotypes. We synthesized (S)-FPMPG prodrugs (FK-381-FEE/FK-381-SEE/FK-382) and tested their effectiveness along with OB-123-VK. Both OB-123-VK and FK-381-FEE exerted similar antiviral activities against all D-subgenotypes, although FK-381-FEE was more potent. Our study highlighted the natural variation in therapeutic response of D1/D2/D3/D5 and emphasized the need for HBV subgenotype determination before treatment. Novel molecules described here could benefit future design/discovery of pan-D-subgenotypic inhibitors. Importance: Current treatment of chronic hepatitis B relies heavily on nucleotide/nucleoside analogs in particular, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) to keep HBV replication under control and prevent end-stage liver diseases. However, it was unclear whether the therapeutic effects of TDF/ETV differ among patients infected with different HBV genotypes and subgenotypes. HBV genotype D is the most widespread of all HBV genotypes and multiple D-subgenotypes have been described. We here report that different subgenotypes of HBV genotype-D exhibit variable response towards TDF and ETV and this could be attributed to naturally occurring amino acid changes in the reverse transcriptase domain of the subgenotype-specific polymerase. Further, we identified novel molecules and also synthesized prodrugs that are equally effective on different D-subgenotypes and could facilitate management of HBV/D-infected patients irrespective of D-subgenotype.

Evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H

Hepatitis B virus genotype H (HBV-H) molecular evolution was studied by comparing all published whole-genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate phylogenetic relationships, time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA), and viral population dynamics along the time. Phylogenetic tree demonstrated two main clades or lineages: HBV-H I (with sequences from Central and North America) and HBV-H II (with sequences from North and South America, and Asia). HBV-H II had more genome sequences (n = 26; 83.9%), including one specific subclade with all sequences outside of the Americas. Overall HBV-H tMRCA dated back to 1933 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1875-1957) with a very probable origin in Mexico and posterior dissemination to other American and Asian countries. The temporal analysis demonstrated that HBV-H I spread only in Mexico and the neighbor country of Nicaragua probably in the 1960s to the 1970s (1968; HPD 95%: 1908-1981), while HBV-II disseminated to other American and Asian countries around one decade later (1977; HPD 95%: 1925-1985). The phylogeographic analysis reinforced the Mexican origin of this genotype. The whole HBV-H population increased from the 1980s to the 2000s. In conclusion, HBV-H has two main lineages with a common origin in Mexico approximately nine decades ago.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes in Brazil: Introduction and dissemination

Hepatitis B is a viral infectious disease highly spread worldwide with a long evolutionary history associated with human migrations through the continents and countries. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was disseminated probably from Africa and diverged into ten genotypes (HBV-A to HBV-J) distributed around the world. In Brazil, almost all HBV genotypes were already reported, with a predominance of three ones: A (52.1%), D (36.8%), and F (7.7%). This review aimed to evaluate the introduction and dissemination of the main HBV genotypes and subgenotypes in Brazil over the last centuries to explain the current epidemic scenario. The highest frequency of HBV-A is a consequence of the introduction and spreading of HBV-A1 in the 16th to 19th centuries due to the African slave trade, but the more recent introduction of HBV-A2 from Europe also contributed to the current situation. HBV-D is the second most frequent genotype because it was consecutively introduced by migrations from Europe (mainly subgenotype D3, but also D2) and the Middle East (D1) in the 19th to 20th centuries. On contrary, HBV-F (F1a, F1b, F2a, F2b, F3, and F4) was disseminated by the Amerindians in all South American countries, including Brazil, by migrations inside the continent for more than three centuries ago. Other HBV genotypes are rare and eventually frequent in some human groups because of the dissemination by very specific epidemiological routes. In conclusion, the current scenario of the HBV epidemics is a consequence of the introduction and dissemination of some subgenotypes from the three main genotypes A, D, and F over the last five centuries.

Temporal evolution and global spread of hepatitis B virus genotype G

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is considered a major health problem in the world. HBV is classified into genotypes A to J disseminated worldwide. Genotypes A, D and F are the most frequent in the Western World, B and C are predominant in the East, and E, F, H and J are infrequent and restricted to specific regions. HBV-G is a rare genotype, but it has been detected in different continents. This study aimed to report the temporal evolution and global spread of HBV-G comparing whole-genome sequences of this genotype from different regions in the world. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) and the population dynamics in the last decades. The results demonstrated that tMRCA of all HBV-Gs dated back to 1855 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1778 - 1931). This genotype has a possible origin in North America and it was disseminated to other continents (South and Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa) more than one century later (around the 1970s). The viral population demonstrated constant spreading from 1855 to the 1980s, followed by an increase in the 1990s and reached a plateau after the 2000s. Wide spreading at the beginning of the 1990s was probably associated with the dissemination by highly sexual active groups and injecting drug users. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that HBV-G was originated in the 19th century with main events of spread at the end of the 20th century.

Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype D in Greenland Suggests the Presence of a Novel Quasi-Subgenotype

A disproportionate number of Greenland's Inuit population are chronically infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV; 5-10%). HBV genotypes B and D are most prevalent in the circumpolar Arctic. Here, we report 39 novel HBV/D sequences from individuals residing in southwestern Greenland. We performed phylodynamic analyses with ancient HBV DNA calibrators to investigate the origin and relationship of these taxa to other HBV sequences. We inferred a substitution rate of 1.4 × 10-5 [95% HPD 8.8 × 10-6, 2.0 × 10-5] and a time to the most recent common ancestor of 629 CE [95% HPD 37-1138 CE]. The Greenland taxa form a sister clade to HBV/D2 sequences, specifically New Caledonian and Indigenous Taiwanese sequences. The Greenland sequences share amino acid signatures with subgenotypes D1 and D2 and ~97% sequence identity. Our results suggest the classification of these novel sequences does not fit within the current nomenclature. Thus, we propose these taxa be considered a novel quasi-subgenotype.