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Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus in the United Republic of Tanzania

In the United Republic of Tanzania, 457 voluntary blood donors were enrolled in hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological screening; 4.8% (22/457) carried HBsAg, 13.6% (3/22) of whom were HBeAg‐positive. The mean age among HBeAg‐negative carriers was 31 years. HBV DNA was detectable in 81.8% (18/22), the mean level was 3.67 (±1.77) log copies/ml. Genotype A was determined in 90.9% (20/22) and 18/20 were classified into subgenotype Aa (Asia/Africa). The basal core promoter, precore and partial core nucleotide sequences were analyzed in the 18 strains; T1809/T1812 (“Kozak” sequence) and A/T1888 (encapsidation signal) variants were identified in 100% and 78%, respectively. The complete genome sequencing for one of the Tanzanian strains revealed no recombination. In conclusion, HBV seroprevalence is high among general population in Tanzania, and the HBV/Aa‐infection is predominant. The indicated tendency to early HBeAg seroconversion and declining of the viral load should be confirmed further in case‐control studies. J. Med. Virol. 78:1035–1042, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.