| Theme | Cutting Edge : Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatitis B | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and Prognosis of Chronic Hepatitis B | |
| Publish Date | 2009/06 | |
| Author | Waka Ohishi | Department of Clinical Studies, Radiation Effects Research Foundation |
| Author | Masataka Tsuge | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| Author | Kazuaki Chayama | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| [ Summary ] | In recent years, differences in clinicopathological conditions and responses to antiviral treatment for different HBV genotypes have been demonstrated. Concerning chronic hepatitis B patients in Japan, approximately 85-90% exhibit the HBV genotype C, and about 5-15% genotype B. The HBV genotype B, in comparison to genotype C, is associated with lower rates of positive HBe antigens, higher HBeAg seroconversion rates, a higher frequency of pre-core mutation, and a lower frequency of basic core promoter mutation. Therefore, genotype C patients are thought to have worse prognoses, because the progression of liver disease and development of hepatocellular carcinoma occur earlier in these patients, compared to genotype B patients. HBV genotype B is also associated with better response to interferon therapy. | |