A rapid and reliable genotyping method for hepatitis B virus genotypes (A-H) using type-specific primers.

Eight genotypes of HBV (A-H) are recognized. A simple, rapid, and more specific genotyping system for HBV involving PCR using type-specific primers is described. The complete genomes of 234 human HBV strains for all the genotypes submitted to GenBank were aligned. The type-specific primers were designed based on the differences in the sizes of bands for eight genotypes in two sets. This genotyping system was tested with 24 positive HBV DNA controls. PCR was performed using two sets of type-specific primers for each sample in two tube. All 24 samples were PCR positive and possessed type-specific bands. PCR mix containing set 1 primers revealed specific bands of genotypes B, C, F and G, whereas PCR mix containing set 2 primers revealed specific bands of genotypes A, D, E and H. Type-specific PCR products were identified accurately by their sizes in agarose gels. The simplicity and rapidity of this PCR assay may reduce the cost and complexity of recognizing these genotypes. This method may be useful for HBV genotyping in large-scale clinical and epidemiologic studies. Copyright Â