Genetic diversity of hepatitis delta virus in Afghanistan: insights from complete genome analysis

Background A signifcant gap exists in the comprehensive genomic characterization of hepatitis delta virus in Afghanistan. Therefore, the primary aim of this investigation is to elucidate the molecular profle of the complete genome of HDV circulated among general population of Afghanistan. Methods Four serologically positive samples for anti-delta antibody were confrmed via real-time polymerase chain reaction and subjected to entire genome amplifcation using two sets of primers to generate partially overlapping segments, which were subsequently sequenced. Phylogenetic and evolutionary divergence analysis were conducted using the MEGA7 software package. Results Ultimately, the whole genomes of four HDV isolates from Afghanistan were assigned to genotype I. The amino acid composition of the hepatitis delta antigen and its functional motifs were consistent with genotype I. However, the subtype-specifc amino acid signature revealed potential diferences in subtypes. Conclusion Genotype I is the most common HDV genotype in analyzed samples, with potential subtype heterogeneity and no signifcant functional impact from HDAg variations. Highlights • Genotype I prevails as the primary circulating strain of hepatitis delta among analyzed samples. • Subtype-specifc amino acid signatures suggest diversity within the hepatitis delta virus among samples. • The variation in functional motifs of HDAg among analyzed samples does not seem to have noticeable functional consequences.