Genotyping of Hepatitis B Virus in HBsAg Positive Individuals Referred to the Health Centers of Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract Background & aim: Hepatitis B Virus is one of the most important viral hepatitis which includes eight genotypes based on genetic variations in the gene encoding virus RNA polymerase. Clinical picture, treatment response and prognosis of HBV infection is genotype dependent. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the HBV genotypes in HBsAg-positive individuals. . Methods: This experimental study was conducted on one hundred and sixteen HBsAg-positiveindividuals referred to the health centers of Shahrekord, Iran, in 2011. Firstly, the viral nucleic acid was extracted from serum samples and subsequently, the samples were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Finally, genotyping was carried out on the positive samples, using Real-time PCR with type specific primers and probes. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: 23 out of 116 (19.8%) of the HBsAg-positive individuals were positive for HBV DNA. 17 out of 23 (73.9%) and 6 out of 23 (26.1%) of the patients were found to be infected with HBV genotypes of D and C, respectively. Conclusion: Same as other regions of Iran, genotype D, , is the dominate genotype of HBV in Shahrekord, Iran. However, genotype C may be one of the other common genotypes in this region. Key words: Genotyping, Hepatitis, Polymerase Chain Reaction