Pattern and prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype Among HBV Discordant Partners in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to cause significant global health problems despite the presence of a potential vaccine and other clinical approaches. This study was designed to investigate the pattern and spread of HBV genotypes among discordant and concordant partners of hepatitis B virus infection in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study involved a cross-sectional study consisting of 150 subjects (120 discordant and concordant partners of hepatitis B, and 30 controls). HBsAg was screened using a rapid ELISA diagnostic strip and re-screened to reaffirm the result using Ichroma Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA) analyser. Multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction using type specific primers was used to identify the HBV genotypes. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism. HBV genotype E (75%), A (10%) and a mixed genotype of A and E (mixed infection (15%) were gotten with genotype E being the most predominant. This study has established the high prevalence of genotype E as the most predominant HBV genotype in circulation in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria