| Theme |
Hepatitis B-Current Topics |
| Title |
Hepatitis B Virus Mutations and Response to Interferon |
| Author |
Makoto Kako |
IVth Department of Medicine, Teikyo University Hospital at Mizonokuchi |
| [ Summary ] |
Mutant types of hepatitis B viruses are sensitive to the antiviral effects of interferon, the normalization of ALT and loss of serum HBV-DNA are seen in more than 50% of anti-HBeAg positive patients during interferon therapy. However, reactivation of hepatitis often occurs after interferon therapy and so mutant HBV seem to be more resistant, compared to wild type HBV. Prolonged IFN therapy may reduce the reactivation of the hepatitis virus. Several controvertial results were reported concerning the effects of the mutation of pre-core and core genes in HBeAg positive or HBeAb positive patients in response to interferon therapy. |