JIA-HORNG KAOWu N.-H.PEI-JER CHENLai M.-Y.DING-SHINN CHEN2021-07-032021-07-0320000168-8278https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84983726628&doi=10.1016%2fS0168-8278%2800%2980135-X&partnerID=40&md5=5cd01af5a3ffe1a3308364485a06a6d6https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/568809Background/Aims: Possible pathogenic differences among hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes have been observed; however, the response to interferon therapy among HBV genotypes remains unknown. We therefore analyzed the efficacy of interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with different HBV genotypes. Methods: Fifty-eight genotype B or C infected chronic hepatitis B patients who had been treated with interferon alfa-2b were retrospectively studied. The response to interferon was defined as normalization of serum aminotransferase level, loss of hepatitis B e antigen and HBV DNA 48 weeks post-treatment. Results: Baseline data of both groups of patients were comparable; however, genotype C patients had a higher serum aminotransferase level and a higher frequency of core promoter mutation. The response rate was 41% and 15% in genotype B and C patients, respectively (p=0.045). In those with higher serum aminotransferase levels, the response rate was 50% and 17%, respectively (p=0.025). Additionally, younger age and genotype B infection may predict a better response to interferon alfa. Conclusions: HBV genotype C, compared to genotype B, is associated with a higher frequency of core promoter mutation, and a lower response rate to interferon alfa therapy.[SDGs]SDG3alpha interferon; alpha2b interferon; aminotransferase; hepatitis B(e) antigen; virus DNA; adult; aminotransferase blood level; article; chronic disease; controlled study; disease association; drug efficacy; female; genotype; hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; human; human tissue; major clinical study; male; priority journal; treatment outcome; virus mutationjournal article10.1016/S0168-8278(00)80135-X111314652-s2.0-84983726628