title: Distribution of Hepatitis B virus genotypes among healthy blood donors in eastern part of North India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the distribution HBV genotypes among non-remunerated healthy blood donors in eastern North India.
  
  
  METHODS
  During screening of donated blood, 176 consecutive HBsAg positive, samples comprised the study. HBV-DNA was quantitative detected in 150 samples by PCR. HBV genotype was determined by identifying genotype-specific DNA band using nested PCR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Majorities were of age group 31-40 yrs (65.3%). Males (92.7%) outnumbered females (7.3%) and were HbeAg-negative HBsAg carriers. Over all, genotype-A was the most prevalent (54%) followed by D (21.3%). We did not find genotype-G and H. Districts under study, divided into four zones: Zone-I genotype-A was most common (62.3%) followed by D (18.8%); Zone-II genotype-C (41.2%) was more frequent followed by D (20.6% and A (17.7%). Zone-III in adjoining Bihar state close to Zone-I, A was more prevalent (81.8%) followed by B and C (9.1%). In Zone-IV adjoining Zone- II had genotype-A (100%) only. Genotype-D had more sporadic distribution. Genotype-E and F were prevalent in Zone I and II (3/150, 2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among blood donors HBV genotype-A followed by D was the most prevalent in eastern North India. Genotype-A had pattern of distribution signifying common focus, while D was more sporadic and C had single large pocket (Zone-II) probably common focus but restricting to particular area. Evidences are suggestive of association of HBV genotype in liver dysfunction. An effective treatment and preventive strategies based of genotypes will reduce the disease burden and increase the blood safety.
authors: Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors: Kailash
authors: K
authors: Kumar
authors: Manoj
authors: M
authors: Kumar
authors: Sk H
authors: SH
authors: Rahaman
authors: T B
authors: TB
authors: Singh
authors: Saurabh Kumar
authors: SK
authors: Patel
authors: Gopal
authors: G
authors: Nath