Recent molecular evolution of hepatitis B virus genotype F in Latin America.

The evolution of hepatitis B virus genotype F (HBV-F) in Latin America is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular evolution of HBV-F in Latin America by comparing 224 whole-genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor. Four main clades were found, dating from between 1245 and 1730. In addition, four subclades were identified, dating to between 1705 and 1801. The overall effective population size of HBV-F grew in the 18th century and showed an initial expansion outward from Venezuela to other countries from Latin America. Although HBV-F originated thousands of years ago, circulating strains of HBV-F appear to have spread in recent centuries, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The new molecular data provide valuable information for characterizing the evolution of Native American HBV-F in recent centuries.