Overview of HBV whole genome data in public repositories and the Chinese HBV reference sequences

The number of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) whole genomic sequences in public nucleotide databases (GenBank, EMBL, and DDBJ) had reached 866 by January 1, 2007. Coming from 46 countries and regions, these sequences were categorized as eight genotypes (A-H). With the statistical and phylogenetic analysis on all available complete genomic data of HBV, we here present an overview of HBV sequences in public databases. From all registered 229 HBV genomes in Chinese regions as well as 59 sequencing data from our research group, we report the establishment of reference sequences of HBV strains prevailing in China. These analyses provide clues for the effects of HBV genotypes in host clinical progressions, geographic distribution of the infection, and the viral evolutionary history. Moreover, the viral sequence reference would be helpful in the identification of various HBV mutations. Based on the analysis of various public databases,we suggest that the Chinese HBV database with the clinical information should be constructed.