The Frequency of Genotype D of Hepatitis B Virus in Isfahan, Iran

Background: Approximately 600,000 deaths occur every year as a result of the acute and chronic consequences of hepatitis B virus infection. Ten different hepatitis B virus genotypes have been identified with distinct geographical distributions. Different clinical outcomes, including the rate of mutations, development of hepatocellular carcinoma, chronicity, response to treatment, transplantation rejection and occult infections, are affected by specific genotypes. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of genotype D of the virus in Isfahan, Iran. Patients and Methods: In this study primarily hepatitis B virus positive patients were identified by the detection of HBs antigen using ELISA test and then PCR was used as a confirmatory test. Fifty five patients that were identified as hepatitis B positive were tested for hepatitis D genotype using type - specific PCR. Results: The patients included 30 (54.5%) females and 25 (45.5%) males. In total, frequency of genotype D was 29 out of 55 cases (52.7%). Genotype D was detected in 19 (63.3%) females and 10 (40.0%) males indicating no statistically significant difference. The difference in the level of liver enzymes in patients infected with genotype D and non-genotype D hepatitis B virus were not significant. Conclusion: In the present study the frequency of genotype D among patients with hepatitis B virus infection in Isfahan, Iran, was 52.7%. No significant relation was observed between the level of liver enzymes and infection with the genotype D. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, genotype D, PCR, Isfahan, Iran.