[Clinical characteristies and distribution of hepatitis B virus genotype and sub-genotype].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the distribution and virologic characteristics of HBV genotypes, sub-type and possible association with the severity of liver disease.


METHODS
884 patients infected with HBV were enrolled from 8 provinces in China. HBV genotype and sub-type was determined, using PCR-RFLP method.


RESULTS
The most common HBV genotypes were B (20.77% ) and C (78.22 % ) but only 1 patient showed genotypes D. We found sub-type Ba in patients with genotype B, C1 and C2 sub-type in patients with genotype C. Genotype C (83.62%) and sub-type C2 (90.32%) were predominant in northern China. Patients with genotype B were much younger than those with genotype C. There was no significant difference between patients with sub-type C1 and C2. There was no significant difference in liver function and serum HBV-DNA load between patients with genotype B and C,or between patients with sub type C1 and C2. However, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis score in patients with genotype B were significantly lower than those with genotype C.


CONCLUSIONS
There were no significantly differences in liver function and HBV-DNA load between patients with genotype B and C, or between patients with sub-type C1 and C2. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis score in patients with genotype B were significantly lower than those with genotype C. Genotype C/sub-type C2 were preponderance in northern China.
Zhao
Hong
H
Department of Infectious Diseases, First Teaching Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.
Li
Jun
J
Li
Xing-feng
XF
Si
Chong-wen
CW
Yu
Min
M
Gong
Wei-bo
WB
Yu
Yan-yan
YY
Wang
Gui-qiang
GQ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult