A polymerase chain reaction-based assay to identify genotype F of hepatitis B virus

Authors
Moraes, MTB Niel, C Gomes, SA
Citation
Mtb. Moraes et al., A polymerase chain reaction-based assay to identify genotype F of hepatitis B virus, BRAZ J MED, 32(1), 1999, pp. 45-49
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
ISSN journal
0100879X → ACNP
Volume
32
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
45 - 49
Database
ISI
SICI code
0100-879X(199901)32:1<45:APCRAT>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
We have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay which distinguish es genotype F from the other genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The meth od was used to characterize HBV strains isolated in urban areas of the Braz ilian Amazon. DNA was amplified in 54 of a total of 78 HBsAg-positive serum samples, using universal, non genotype-specific primers. Only 4 (7.4%) wer e identified as genotype F by our genotype-specific PCR assay. This proport ion is notably lower than that previously reported in Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, and Central America.