An observational study evaluating the distribution of HBV infection and its genotypes was recently conducted by a team of researchers, one of whom is Prof. Renald Blundell from the Department of Physiology & Biochemistry.

The study investigates the prevalence and genotype distribution of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where HBV infection is a significant health concern.

Conducted across seven cities, the observational study collected 426 HBV-positive samples through Immunochromatographic Technique (ICT) screening, later confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

The highest number of cases were recorded in Mardan and Dir (Lower), with a high prevalence observed in the 15–34 age group, particularly among males.

The infection was more prevalent in males (66.2%) compared to females (33.8%), which aligns with prior research indicating that men have a higher likelihood of exposure to HBV due to greater social mobility.

HBV genotyping revealed a predominance of mixed genotypes (48.3%) and genotype D (38.3%), while 13.3% of cases were untypable.

Genotype D is commonly associated with various regions, including the Middle East and South Asia, and appears highly prevalent in Pakistan. The mixed genotype presence suggests co-infection in some individuals, which can complicate treatment and disease progression.

This research highlights the need for public health interventions, especially in high-prevalence areas.

Enhanced awareness and healthcare measures could mitigate transmission risks, particularly in the economically disadvantaged rural regions where healthcare access remains limited. The study’s findings can guide healthcare policies and targeted awareness campaigns to reduce HBV transmission and manage the virus more effectively in Pakistan.

Further epidemiological studies are recommended to understand HBV’s spread and genotype diversity across the broader population, including underrepresented rural areas.

The full paper may be accessed online.