Hepatitis delta virus genotypes I and III circulate associated with hepatitis B virus genotype F in Venezuela

The genotypes of hepatitis B (HBV) and delta (HDV) viruses circulating amon g Venezuelan Amerindian populations, where these viruses are endemic, were determined by sequencing of PCR amplified products from HBsAg positive sera . HDV genotype I (n = 7, 6 from West Amerindians), and III (n=5, 4 from Sou th Amerindians), were found. Only one HDV genotype I isolate was associated with HBV genotype D, 4 HDV genotype I and 2 HDV genotype III infected indi viduals were co-infected with HBV genotype F. The failure to detect the Sou th American HDV genotype III in West Amerindians might be related to the ou tbreak of fulminant hepatitis with high mortality rate occurred between 197 9 and 1982, probably affecting more the Amerindians infected with HDV genot ype III. These results suggest the circulation of HDV genotype among Amerin dians, probably introduced through European immigrations, and that this HDV genotype is able to replicate in association with HBV genotype F. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.