Backgrounds/Aims
Considering the incidence of prevailing hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in
neighboring nations, the predominance of genotype C in Korea is exceptional and needs to be confirmed by
nationwide investigation. Methods: A total of 510 HBsAg (+) or HBeAg (+) serum samples was collected
from subjects in several cities and harbors throughout the Korean peninsula for genotype (A-G)-specific
multiplex PCR analysis. Another 40 serum samples from chronic HBV carriers from Iksan city were selected
for sequencing of the entire HBV genome. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with 22 whole genomic
sequences of Korean HBV strains enrolled in GenBank. Results: An amplicon was found in 377 specimens and
genotype C occupied 98.1% (370 cases); none of the other genotypes were found. A mixed pattern of genotypes
B and C was seen in seven specimens (1.9%), of which five were tested using PCR targeting the X fragment;
no genotype B bands were found. With the exception of 1 case, which was subgenotype A2, whole sequences
of Korean HBV strains (n=62) belonged to subgenotype C2. Conclusions: The prevailing HBV genotype in
Korea is C2; the other genotypes occur only rarely. Future studies should include confirmation of the detection
of genotypes other than C. (Korean J Hepatol 2009;15:140-147)
