Distinct geographical and demographic distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in the Canadian Arctic as revealed through an extensive molecular epidemiological survey.

摘要: Summary.  Very little is known of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Canadian Arctic indigenous populations, where HBV was considered endemic prior to the introduction vaccine. This study expands upon an seroepidemiological survey conducted between 1983 and 1985 throughout Arctic, characterize this population. Archived surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive sera (n = 401) were processed for DNA, followed by sequencing phylogenetic analysis HBsAg- HBcAg-coding regions. Sixty-nine per cent samples (277/401) DNA positive, with most having low viral load (median 3.4 log 10 IU/mL). The predominant genotype observed (HBV/B, 75%), HBV/D (24%) HBV/A (1%). All HBV/B strains clustered within subgenotype B6, a newly recognized among western circumpolar Inuit Alaska Native people. included both D3 (88%) D4 (12%) subgenotypes, while all A2. An association living eastern D First Nation (Dene) observed. establishes high prevalence HBV/B6 genotypes populations reveals their marked distribution based on geographical demographic attributes.