Drug-Related Mutational Patterns in Hepatitis B Virus (Hbv) Reverse Transcriptase Proteins From Iranian Treatment-Naive Chronic Hbv Patients Publisher



Mahabadi M¹ ; Norouzi M¹ ; Alavian SM² ; Samimirad K³ ; Azad TM¹ ; Saberfar E⁴ ; Mahmoodi M⁵ ; Ramezani F¹ ; Karimzadeh H¹ ; Malekzadeh R⁶ ; Montazeri G⁶ ; Nejatizadeh A⁷ ; Ziee M⁸ ; Abedi F⁹ Show All Authors Show Affiliations
Source: Hepatitis Monthly Published:2013

Abstract

Background: Immunomodulators and Nucleotide analogues have been used globally for the dealing of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the development of drug resistance is a major limitation to their long-term effectiveness. Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase (RT) protein variations among Iranian chronic HBV carriers who did not receive any antiviral treatments. Materials and Methods: Hepatitis B virus partial RT genes from 325 chronic in active carrier patients were amplified and directly sequenced. Nucleotide/amino acid substitutions were identified compared to the sequences obtained from the database. Results: All strains belonging to genotype D.365 amino-acid substitutions were found. Mutations related to lamivudine, adefovir, telbivudine, and entecavir occurred in (YMDD) 4% (n = 13), (SVQ) 17.23% (n = 56), (M204I/V + L180M) 2.45% (n = 8) and (M204I) 2.76% (n = 9) of patients, respectively. Conclusions: RT mutants do occur naturally and could be found in HBV carriers who have never received antiviral therapy. However, mutations related to drug resistance in Iranian treatment-naive chronic HBV patients were found to be higher than other studies published formerly. Chronic HBV patients should be monitored closely prior the commencement of therapy to achieve the best regimen option. © 2013, KOWSAR Corp.