HBV genotype distribution and S gene mutations in HIV-HBV co-infected patients: insights from North India

This study confirms the predominance of HBV genotype D with serotype ayw2 in North India and demonstrates a higher frequency of HBsAg immune escape-associated mutations in HBV-HIV co-infected patients. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing molecular surveillance to inform diagnostic strategies, vaccination effectiveness, and clinical management of HBV, particularly in HIV-affected populations.