Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype A1 Found in Quilombo Community in Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Alvarado-Mora Mónica V, Botelho Livia, Gomes-Gouvêa Michele S, de Souza Vanda F, Nascimento Maria C, Pannuti Claudio S, Carrilho Flair J, Pinho João RR
Primary Institution: University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
What are the HBV genotypes circulating in a Quilombo isolated community from Maranhão State, Brazil?
Conclusion
The study found a high frequency of HBV infection and the exclusive presence of subgenotype A1 in an Afro-descendent community in Maranhão State, Brazil.
Supporting Evidence
- 12.5% of the individuals tested positive for HBsAg.
- Four samples were successfully sequenced and classified as genotype A1.
- This is the first report on HBV genotypes in this community.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at blood samples from people in a small community in Brazil and found that many had a specific type of Hepatitis B virus.
Methodology
Seventy-two serum samples were screened for HBsAg, and positive samples underwent DNA extraction and sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
Limitations
The sample size may not represent the entire population, and there was a lack of epidemiological data for comparison.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from the Frechal Quilombo community, an isolated Afro-descendant community in Maranhão, Brazil.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website