Molecular Detection of Hepatits B Virus Genotypes in Tertiary Hospitals in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

In Africa, the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is considered endemic or even hyper-endemic. However, there is lack adequate comprehensive data regarding the genotypes of HBV and their distribution within Nigeria. This study seeks to identify the prevailing HBV genotypes among patients who sought medical care at the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Between January and June 2022, 656 patients’ blood samples were collected from both hospitals for analysis, consisting of 475 females (72.4%) and 181 males (27.6%). The samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and genotyping using immunochromatography and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques with type-specific primers. Among the 656 patients screened for HBsAg, 66 individuals (10%), comprising 36 females (5.4%) and 30 males (4.6%), tested positive using immunochromatography. These positive cases underwent molecular genotyping using specific primers for genotypes A, B, C, D, E, and F. Of these, 33 (50%) exhibited strong or active positivity. In comparison, the remaining 50% displayed passive positivity due to viral degradation, as HBV is a non-enveloped virus. The results further revealed that HBV genotypes E and B were the predominant types, with a prevalence of 82.4% and 11.8%, respectively, in the study area. Interestingly, the observation showed that co-infections involving HBV/B and HBV/E had a majority of 5.9% and were detected among two female patients aged 26 and 25. It is noteworthy that in the study area and its environs, healthcare providers commonly prescribe tenofovir, a nucleotide analog drug. Previous research by various authors has indicated that HBV genotype E is more responsive to nucleotide analogs, while HBV genotype B responds better to interferon-based therapies. In conclusion, this study highlights the prevalence of HBV genotypes B, E, and B+E coinfection in Yenagoa within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This knowledge underscores the importance of healthcare providers accurately diagnosing HBV genotypes before prescribing treatment regimens, particularly considering combination therapy, to optimize the care of infected patients. This approach is vital for effectively managing HBV infections and improving patient outcomes.