| Theme |
Hepatitis B Update 2004 |
| Title |
HBV Genotype and Acute Hepatitis B |
| Author |
Nobuyuki Torii |
Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author |
Kiyoshi Hasegawa |
Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author |
Kaku Oomori |
Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author |
Riho Joh |
Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author |
Keiko Shiratori |
Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
HBV genotypes influence the clinical course of acute hepatitis B (AHB). Genotype C is the dominant subtype and genotype A is rare in patients with chronic hepatitis B in Japan. On the other hand, genotype A is most the most prevalent in patients with AHB at our hospital. The clinical course of AHB, genotype A tends to progress slowly with prolonged high ALT and jaundice. Although the chronicity of AHB is rare in Japan, acute infection with genotype A leads to chronic hepatitis in some cases. In cases of fulminant hepatitis with genotype A, a weak capacity for recovery from liver injury may contribute to the development of subacute fulminant hepatitis. In contrast, AHB, genotype C, is characterized by a shorter course and more severe hepatic injury than other genotypes. Therefore, severe AHB, genotype C, may develop into the acute type of fulminant hepatitis. The HBV genotype can be used to predict the clinical course of acute onset hepatitis. |