High Endemicity and Low Molecular Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus Infections in Pregnant Women in a Rural District of North Cameroon

摘要: Background: A program, supported by the GEMHEP (Groupe d'etude Moleculaire des Hepatites), was established in 2007 sanitary district of Tokombere, to prevent perinatal transmission hepatitis B virus (HBV). It comprises screening for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) all pregnant women and vaccinating newborn if tests are positive. Methods/Principal Findings: 1276 were enrolled study after providing informed consent. Demographic data blood samples available 1267 patients. HBsAg determined locally using a rapid test (Vikia HBsAg, Biomerieux). Tests HDV virological markers (HBeAg, anti-HDV antibodies (Ab), HBV-DNA, HDV-RNA, genotypes) performed on confirmed HBsAg-positive virology unit Angers University Hospital (France). found 259 (20.4%) between January 2009 April 2010, whom 59 HBeAg-positive (22.7%) with high levels HBV-DNA. Anti-HDV Ab 19 (7.3%) women. The prevalence rates not age-dependent whereas HBeAg carriers statistically younger than non carriers. Basal core promoter (BCP) precore (PC) mutations genotypes sequencing. Of 120 amplified sequences, 119 belonged genotype E (HBV/E) 9 strains clade 1. In PC region, 83/228 patients (36.4%) harbored G1896A mutant or mixed phenotype virus. BCP double mutation A1762T/G1764A G1757A substitution detected respectively 26/228 (11.4%) 189/228 (82.8%). Conclusions: Our results confirm low molecular diversity Far Northern Cameroon; more 20% infected highly viremic, suggesting rate supporting WHO recommendation vaccinate at birth against B.