Synopsis of novel HBV MHR mutations (n = 62) identified in four continental populations and their prevalence in various HBV genotypes.

<p>Mutations in the “a” determinant region are in italics, those in its flanking regions are highlighted <b>bold</b>.</p

Frequencies of 62 novel HBsAg MHR mutations (aa 99–170) in various HBV genotypes.

<p>Frequencies are defined as the percentage of patients carrying a novel mutation in a given HBV genotype.</p

Localization of the 62 novel amino acid exchanges within the HBsAg MHR (aa 99–170).

<p>Novel mutations are color coded to show their relative frequency (yellow, green, red). The “a” determinant region, composed of loop 1 (aa124-137) and loop 2 (aa139-147), is boxed. The start and end of the MHR are highlighted by blue arrows. Numbered balls designate cytosine amino acid residues.</p

Global distribution of the novel HBsAg MHR mutations.

<p>The relative contribution (%, dark green sectors) to the total pool of 62 novel mutations is shown for all countries in which previously unknown mutants were identified (n = 14). Note that individual percentages do not add up to 100% because various countries share mutations. For more details see <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0172101#pone.0172101.s012" target="_blank">S10</a> and <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0172101#pone.0172101.s013" target="_blank">S11</a> Tables.</p

Global distribution of the patient cohorts included in this study.

<p>Numbers denote nationalities. HBV endemicites are color coded according to Schweitzer et al [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0172101#pone.0172101.ref002" target="_blank">2</a>].</p

Continental distribution of HBV genotypes.

<p>The predominant genotypes are highlighted for each (sub)continent.</p

Quantitative distribution of the 345 mutations identified within the HBsAg MHR (aa 99–170).

<p>Shown are the fractions of mutations that localize to the immunodominant “a” determinant region (aa 124–147, n = 129) and those that lie in its flanking segments (n = 216).</p