Tracing back hepatitis B virus genotype D introduction and dissemination in South Brazil.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is widespread and it is considered a major health problem in the world. HBV is classified into genotypes and subgenotypes. HBV genotype D (HBV-D) has been detected worldwide with high prevalence in some specific regions from Europe and South America.

The HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with chronic hepatitis B in Southern Brazil: A case-control study.

There is growing evidence that the non-classical HLA-G has a role in the process of the immune response against pathogens, including HBV and HIV. Previous studies demonstrated that a 14-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism at 3'-untranslated region of HLA-G gene interferes in the mRNA stability and expression. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of the 14-bp indel polymorphism (rs371194629) with HBV infection in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) mono-infected and HBV/HIV co-infected patients from Southern Brazil.

Risk factors for hepatitis B transmission in South Brazil.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Brazil. Several risk factors are involved in HBV infection and their identification by a rational and essential approach is required to prevent the transmission of this infection in Brazil.

Objectives: To evaluate risk factors associated with HBV infection in South Brazil.

Lack of association between human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms rs9277535 and rs7453920 and chronic hepatitis B in a Brazilian population.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem worldwide. The progression of the disease depends on several host and viral factors and may result in fulminant hepatitis (very rare), acute hepatitis with spontaneous clearance, and chronic hepatitis B infection. Previous studies demonstrated that variations in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II (HLA-DPB1 and HLA-DQB2 genes) are related to the chronic HBV infection.