Background/Aims
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was classified into 8 genotypes by a sequence divergence in
the entire genome designated from A to H. HBV genotypes have distinct geographic distributions. Recently,
HBV genotypes have been partially found as influencing the clinical manifestation of chronic liver disease in
hosts. In Korea, the distribution of HBV genotypes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the prevalence of the HBV genotype on Jeju Island. Methods: Hepatitis B virus genotypes were evaluated
among 107 hepatitis B carriers residing on Jeju Island. We used single PCR and multiplex-PCR assay with
genotype-specific primer pairs for HBV genotypes A-F for the genotyping. Results: 1. Fifty nine samples
(55%) were positive for HBV DNA. The positivity was different according to the pattern of HBeAg/
anti-HBe expression, as -/-; 2/3 (66.7%), -/+; 30/73 (30%), +/-; 24/28 (85.7%) and +/+; 3/3 (100%). 2. In the
single primer set of genotype-specific PCR, 59 samples (100%) were detected as genotype C and 2 (3%)
were also detected as genotype A and B. 3. In multiplex-PCR, 58 samples (98%) were detected as genotype
C and only one (2%) as a mixed pattern of genotype B and C. 4. When the PCR products were amplified
with universal sense and genotype specific anti-sense from one genotype A, one B, and 2 C, all were
included in genotype C. Conclusions: These results suggest that on Jeju Island, almost all HBV genotypes
are C.(Korean J Hepatol 2004;10:42-50)
