Genetic variation in hepatitis B virus.
In wild type isolates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the sequence of the genome may vary in up to 10% of nucleotide positions despite conservation of coding and function. Changes as small as of a single base, however, may disrupt expression of viral proteins. For example, precore mutants fail to synthesize HBeAg and point mutations in the region encoding the a determinant of HBsAg may have a profound effect on antigenicity. Investigation of HBV sequences in virus from patients with unusual serological profiles continues to reveal novel variants.
Harrison
T J
TJ
Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London, UK.
D016679:Genome, Viral; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000821:virology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016366:Open Reading Frames; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction