[Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in Korea].
OBJECTIVE
Considering the incidence of prevailing hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in neighboring nations, the predominance of genotype C in Korea is exceptional and needs to be confirmed by nationwide investigation.


METHODS
A total of 510 HBsAg (+) or HBeAg (+) serum samples was collected from subjects in several cities and harbors throughout the Korean peninsula for genotype (A-G)-specific multiplex PCR analysis. Another 40 serum samples from chronic HBV carriers from Iksan city were selected for sequencing of the entire HBV genome. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with 22 whole genomic sequences of Korean HBV strains enrolled in GenBank.


RESULTS
An amplicon was found in 377 specimens and genotype C occupied 98.1% (370 cases); none of the other genotypes were found. A mixed pattern of genotypes B and C was seen in seven specimens (1.9%), of which five were tested using PCR targeting the X fragment; no genotype B bands were found. With the exception of 1 case, which was subgenotype A2, whole sequences of Korean HBV strains (n=62) belonged to subgenotype C2.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevailing HBV genotype in Korea is C2; the other genotypes occur only rarely. Future studies should include confirmation of the detection of genotypes other than C.
Cho
Ji-Hyun
JH
Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea.
Yoon
Kui-Hyun
KH
Lee
Key-Earn
KE
Park
Do-Sim
DS
Lee
Young-Jin
YJ
Moon
Hyung-Bae
HB
Lee
Kyoung R
KR
Choi
Chang-Soo
CS
Cho
Eun-Young
EY
Kim
Haak-Cheoul
HC
D005838:Genotype; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D010802:Phylogeny; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D011498:Protein Precursors; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; C101581:preS (120-145) peptide