Hepatitis B genotypes and the response to interferon therapy.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Kao
J H
JH
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei.
Wu
N H
NH
Chen
P J
PJ
Lai
M Y
MY
Chen
D S
DS
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014758:Viral Core Proteins; D000410:Alanine Transaminase