Characterization of hepatitis B virus in Amerindian children and mothers from Amazonas State, Colombia.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. In the 1980's a highly effective and safe vaccine against HBV was developed, although breakthrough infection still occasionally occurs because of the emergence of escape mutants. The aim of this study was to identify HBV genotypes and escape mutants in children and their mothers in Amerindian communities of the Amazonas State, Southern Colombia.

Evidence of the circulation of hepatitis A virus, subgenotype IA, in environmental samples from Antioquia, Colombia.

Introduction: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an important pathogen, typically transmitted via the faecal-oral route. The epidemiology of the infection is directly related to drinking water access and adequate disposal of sewage water. 

Objective: To determine the presence and identify the genotype of HAV in environmental samples from eight municipalities and two villages in Antioquia, northwestern Colombia.

[Escape mutants of hepatitis B virus].

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem worldwide. Considering HBV morbidity and mortality and the economic consequences .of this infection, policies and strategies to control it have been implemented, especially in regions where HBV infection is endemic, with high rates of vertical and horizontal infection.