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Molecular and genetic characterization of hepatitis B virus among multitransfused thalassaemia patients in Islamabad, Pakistan

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the aetiological agent of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis globally. Beta thalassaemia major individuals are at greater risk of contracting HBV infection due to multiple blood transfusions required for the medical management of these patients. Based on HBV genetic variability, it is divided into 10 genotypes. The determination of HBV genotypes has significant implications for clinical management and treatment regimens. AIM: This study was performed to assess the HBV epidemiology and circulating genotypes in multi-transfused β-thalassemia major patients with the aim to be considered while formulating the treatment pattern taking into account particular needs of thalassaemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed from September 2018 to June 2019, at the Department of Pathology and Transfusion Medicine, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (SZAB) Medical University, Islamabad. A total of 2,260 thalassaemia patients were enrolled in the study. The study was endorsed by the Ethics Committee of the SZAB Medical University, Islamabad. The samples were serologically screened for HBsAg on the LIAISON® XL Murex HBsAg Quant assay (DiaSorin S.p.A., Italy) a chemiluminescence based immunoassay (CLIA). HBV quantitative PCR kit was used to measure the HBV DNA in serum samples. The HBV genotypes were determined using universal primers targeting the P1 and S1 region amplification. RESULTS: = 19). CONCLUSION: The determination of HBV genotypes in the multi-transfused patients is key to the effective management of chronic HBV patients as the severity and course of the disease is dependent on a specific type of genotypes. Quality assured screening of donated blood will prevent the incidence of HBV in thalassaemia patients.

Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1880_20