Global and Indian distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes/sub-genotypes 

• Author Details:   
• Vivek Gaur
• Ajay Singh
• Amresh Kumar Singh ^*
• Sushil Kumar
• Ankur Kumar
• Nandini Singh

---

View PDF

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global public health concern in the modern era. It was estimated around 2 billion individuals throughout world are affected with HBV and 350 million of them suffers from a chronic infection. India is the most broadly diversified nation in identity and social distribution. Furthermore, high endemic migrations, high birth rate and drug abuse are the reasons particularly important contributors to enhance the epidemiology of HBV, particularly in comparison to the eastern and northern regions of India.

HBV genotypes A, D and C have been well defined from different parts of India. However, data regarding the molecular epidemiology of HBV in India is still scanty for early prediction of the disease and its severity. This publication reviews the existing information on the genetic diversity of HBV genotypes and subgenotype in India and globally as well as their relationship with the progression of the disease. Furthermore, the HBV epidemiology in different regions of India has been significantly impacted due to the recent increase in improper psychoactive drug usage.

Genotype specific pathophysiology of HBV may result into differential clinical outcomes in chronic patients around the world. Lower rates of spontaneous HBeAg sero-conversion found in patients infected with HBV genotypes C and D. The lifetime risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was greater in genotypes C and D than in genotypes A and B. Core promoter and pre-S mutations have been responsible for an increased risk of HCC.