Evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H

• Published in: Journal of medical virology 2021-06, Vol.93 (6), p.4004-4009
• Main Authors: Wolf, Jonas Michel, Pereira, Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno, Simon, Daniel, Lunge, Vagner Ricardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bayesian analysis; Bayesian coalescent analysis; Evolution; Gene sequencing; Genomes; Genotype & phenotype; Genotypes; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B; hepatitis B virus; Molecular evolution; Phylogenetics; Phylogeny; Population dynamics; Virology; Viruses
• ISSN: 0146-6615; 1096-9071
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26463

Hepatitis B virus genotype H (HBV‐H) molecular evolution was studied by comparing all published whole‐genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate phylogenetic relationships, time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA), and viral population dynamics along the time. Phylogenetic tree demonstrated two main clades or lineages: HBV‐H I (with sequences from Central and North America) and HBV‐H II (with sequences from North and South America, and Asia). HBV‐H II had more genome sequences (n = 26; 83.9%), including one specific subclade with all sequences outside of the Americas. Overall HBV‐H tMRCA dated back to 1933 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1875–1957) with a very probable origin in Mexico and posterior dissemination to other American and Asian countries. The temporal analysis demonstrated that HBV‐H I spread only in Mexico and the neighbor country of Nicaragua probably in the 1960s to the 1970s (1968; HPD 95%: 1908–1981), while HBV‐II disseminated to other American and Asian countries around one decade later (1977; HPD 95%: 1925–1985). The phylogeographic analysis reinforced the Mexican origin of this genotype. The whole HBV‐H population increased from the 1980s to the 2000s. In conclusion, HBV‐H has two main lineages with a common origin in Mexico approximately nine decades ago. Highlights The present study aimed to understand the temporal evolution and global spread of Hepatitis B virus genotype H. HBV‐H common ancestor dated back to 1933 with a very probable origin in Mexico. HBV‐H was disseminated to other countries after the 1960s. HBV‐H viral population grew in the 1980s worldwide and reached a plateau in the 2000s.