Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and Spontaneous Hepatitis B e Antigen Seroconversion in Taiwanese Hepatitis B Carriers
Journal
Journal of Medical Virology
Journal Volume
72
Journal Issue
3
Pages
363-369
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is classified into eight genotypes (A-H), and genotype C is associated with more aggressive liver disease compared to genotype B. However, the mechanisms responsible for the clinical differences remain unclear. To test whether genotype C patients had with lower rates of spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion than genotype B patients, stored serum samples from 146 Taiwanese adult HBeAg-positive hepatitis B carriers followed-up for a mean of 52 months (range, 12-120 months) were tested for HBV genotype by a molecular method. Genotype C patients were significantly older than genotype B patients (mean age, 37 ± 12 vs. 29 ± 10 years, P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, genotype C patients had a significantly lower rate of spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion than genotype B patients (27 vs. 47%, P < 0.025). Spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion occurred one decade later in genotype C patients compared with genotype B patients. Multivariate analyses identified age ?35 years (odds ratio: 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-4.0; P < 0.05), high baseline serum alanine aminotransferase level (odds ratio: 2.34; 95%CI, 1.39-4.09; P < 0.005), and HBV genotype B (odds ratio: 1.94; 95%CI, 1.03-3.63; P < 0.05) as independent factors associated with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion. In conclusion, genotype C patients, compared to genotype B patients, have a delayed HBeAg seroconversion in the immune clearance phase of chronic HBV infection, which may contribute to a more progressive liver disease and more refractory to antiviral therapy. ? 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SDGs
Other Subjects
alanine aminotransferase; antivirus agent; hepatitis B(e) antigen; adult; age; aged; alanine aminotransferase blood level; article; Asian; confidence interval; controlled study; disease association; disease course; female; follow up; genotype; hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; human; major clinical study; male; multivariate analysis; nonhuman; seroconversion; Taiwan; virus carrier; Hepatitis B virus
Publisher
Wiley-Liss Inc.
Type
journal article