Possible Transmission Patterns of Hepatitis B in the European Region: Based on a Complete Genome Analysis

Most European countries have effective control and vaccination programs against hepatitis B but still, hepatitis B persist in certain risk groups. In Europe the prevailing genotypes of hepatitis B are subgenotpes A2, D1, D2 and D3. Subgenotypes A2 and D2 are transmitted back and forth from East to South West Europe, illicit heroin traffic routes that exist from Afghanistan running to Russia through Central Asia and finally to the rest of Europe are a predisposing factor for the observed transmission pattern. Subgenotype D1 is widely spread in Europe with no definite transmission pattern, meanwhile subgenotype D3 is typically present in East and South West Europe and is mainly transmitted via intravenous drug use. Using complete sequenced genomes obtained from GeneBank, possible transmission pattern of hepatitis B Virus in the European region were established and reasons for the observed transmission pattern of hepatitis B Virus were accounted for.