The characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E are not well known because only a few studies have been carried out by complete genome analysis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the distribution of HBV genotypes in Cote d'Ivoire, and to clarify the genotype-related characteristics of genotype E. The distribution of HBV genotypes among 48 HBV carriers in Cote d'Ivoire was determined using serological and genetic methods. The characteristics of genotype E were evaluated by complete genome sequences, and further investigations of small S gene, basic core promoter (BCP) mutation, and precore mutation were undertaken. HBV genotype distribution among the 48 carriers was 6.3% for genotype A, 6.3% for genotype D, and 87.4% for genotype E. Complete genomes of two genotype E strains were sequenced, and found to have 98.2% to 99.2% homology at the nucleotide level when compared with genotype E strains reported previously. In 24 genotype E carriers, the precore mutation was detected in 75% of the patients without HBeAg, in contrast to only 25% of the patients with HBeAg (P < 0.05). All 24 strains have T at nucleotide 1858 in the precore region. In contrast, BCP double mutation was detected in 17% of the patients with HBeAg, and 33% of the patients without HBeAg. These results indicated as the following: (1) genotypes A, D, and E of HBV exist in Cote d'Ivoire and genotype E is the most prevalent; (2) genotype E spread with low genetic diversity over the complete genome in West Africa; (3) HBV precore and/or BCP double variants were common among the patients with genotype E infections.
Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.