Hepatitis B virus genotypes in children with chronic hepatitis B in Poland.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the distribution of HBV genotypes in Polish children with chronic hepatitis B, and to assess the relation between the viral genotype and the severity of liver damage.


METHODS
Serum samples from children with chronic hepatitis B were used for biochemical and serological testing, and for determination of HBV genotypes by a nested-multiplex-polymerase chain reaction. Liver biopsies were obtained for histological assessment, which was performed according to the Batts and Ludwig scoring system of chronic hepatitis.


RESULTS
Of 78 children with chronic hepatitis B, 74 had an identifiable HBV genotype: 86.5% were infected with genotype A, and 13.5% were carriers of genotype D. The frequency of HBeAg clearance and the levels of alanine aminotransferase and serum aspartate transaminase were comparable in both genotype groups. There was no correlation between the HBV genotype and either activity of liver inflammation or liver fibrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the distribution of HBV genotypes in Polish children with chronic HBV infection reflects the general prevalence of HBV genotypes in Europe. The course of chronic hepatitis B in children is not significantly influenced by viral genotypes A or D.
Dzierzanowska-Fangrat
Katarzyna
K
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland. fangrat@supermedia.pl
Woynarowski
Marek
M
Szczygielska
Izabela
I
Jozwiak
Paulina
P
Cielecka-Kuszyk
Joanna
J
Dzierzanowska
Danuta
D
Madalinski
Kazimierz
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase