Epidemiological distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in 1–29-year-olds in the mainland of China

•The predominant HBV genotypes in the mainland of China were B and C.•HBV genotype B was more than genotype C with B2 and C2 endemic in 1–29-year-olds.•HepB vaccination or other factors did not interfere with HBV genotype distribution.•The surveillance of HBV genotype was essential for responding to potential changes. To analyze the epidemiological distribution of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in the mainland of China following the implementation of effective preventive measures. Five hundred and seventeen HBsAg-positive subjects aged 1–29 years surveyed in the 2014 national HBV sero-survey in the mainland of China were enrolled in the study. The full-length HBV genome was obtained by PCR amplification and sequencing. The HBV genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis. Combined with questionnaire information, HBV genotype distribution was analyzed. Of the 517 HBsAg-positive subjects, 369 (71.4%) were included in the analysis. HBV genotypes found were B (45.0%), C (36.6%), D (6.0%), C/D (9.8%), B/C (2.2%), and I (0.5%). Geographic differences in HBV genotype were significant for seven regions. Three serotypes were found: adw (47.2%), adr (35.5%), and ayw (17.3%). B2 (43.9%) and C2 (25.2%) were the two major subgenotypes. The predominant genotypes differed between the Han group and the other ethnic groups. No statistical differences in genotype distribution were found by gender, age group, or hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination history. The prevalence of HBV genotype B was higher than that of genotype C with subgenotypes B2 and C2 endemic in 1–29-year-olds in the mainland of China, after HBV prevalence has reduced significantly due to the implementation of preventive measures. HepB vaccination or other factors did not interfere with HBV genotype distribution. The surveillance of HBV genotype was essential for responding to the potential changes and impact on the preventive policies in the future.