Prevalence of mutations within major hydrophilic region of hepatitis B virus and their correlation with genotypes among chronically infected patients in Egypt.

Background And Study Aims: Mutations within the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been reported in relation to viral persistence by evasion from vaccine and immunotherapy, severity of liver disease and lack of detection by commercial kits. The aim of this study was to elucidate the circulation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, subgenotypes and serotypes in Egypt, with recognition of the pattern and prevalence of MHR mutations possibly occurring during the course of the disease.

Patients And Methods: Eighty-eight samples from patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the study.