| Theme | Cutting Edge : Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatitis B | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | HBV Genotype and Acute Hepatitis | |
| Publish Date | 2009/06 | |
| Author | Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi | Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital |
| Author | Norie Yamada | Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St.Marianna University School of Medicine |
| Author | Chiaki Okuse | Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St.Marianna University School of Medicine |
| Author | Kiyomi Yasuda | Center for Liver Diseases, Seizankai Kiyokawa Hospital |
| Author | Kazuhiko Koike | Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | The number of patients with acute hepatitis B has increased, which may be attributed to an increase in the number of patients with genotype A HBV. We analyzed newly diagnosed patients with acute hepatitis B and found that the percentage with genotype A HBV increased from 30-40% in the period 1994-2005 to 73% in the period 2006-2008. Previously, the main transmission route for genotype A HBV was homosexual contact. In recent years, however, heterosexual contact with random or specific Japanese partners has become a major transmission route. The number of HBV carriers infected with genotype A HBV is predicted to increase in the near future. However, this may be prevented with appropriate management by public health organizations. | |