Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus isolates in Mexico: predominant circulation of hepatitis B virus genotype H.

Aim: To determine the genotypes in Mexican hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates and characterize their precore and core promoter mutations.

Methods: Forty-nine HBV isolates of Mexico obtained from sera of 15 hepatitis patients, 6 hemodialysis patients, 20 men seeking HIV testing, and 8 AIDS patients were analyzed. HBV isolates were amplified by PCR, and genotyped by line probe assay (INNO-LiPA HBV Genotyping; INNOGENETICS N V, Ghent, Belgium).

Genotypic resistance to lamivudine among hepatitis B virus isolates in Mexico.

Background: Drug resistance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an increasing clinical problem. Resistance to lamivudine in HBV isolates in Mexico has been poorly explored.

Objectives: To characterize the mutation patterns associated with genotypic resistance to lamivudine and their prevalence among HBV isolates in Mexico.