Hepatitis B virus in Congo (Brazzaville): prevalence and genetic diversity among blood donors in hyper endemic areas

Objective: To characterize the molecular profile of HIV in highly endemic areas of Congo. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to September 2013, a period of 9 months, in blood transfusion centers in three departments of southern Congo (Pointe-Noire, Niari, Bouenza). Molecular biology analyzes were performed at the molecular biology laboratory LMVQ/ETB/FST Mohammedia-Casablanca in Morocco. The variables studied were epidemiological and biological. Extraction techniques and conventional and specific gene amplification was used from donating blood, serum 5 ml were collected in a dry tube and then preserved in cryotubes at -20 degrees C, also useful for the establishment of a serum bank. Results: 1363 voluntary donors were collected, of which 135 were found positive for HBsAg, a relative frequency of 9.9%. The sex ratio (M/F) was 5.8. The HBV DNA was amplified in 88.1% (119/135) of cases, confirming its importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of infected individuals. Two major genotypes were found: the most prevalent genotype E (68%), and genotype A (21%), unevenly distributed between different departments. Some genotypes have been identified in 4.2% of cases. Conclusion: Infection with the hepatitis B remains a public health problem in Congo, genotypes E and A are the most prevalent among blood donors in areas of high endemicity.