Molecular epidemiology and clinical significance of hepatitis B virus genotypes, core promoter and precore mutations in eastern India.
OBJECTIVE
This unmatched case-control study aimed at determining the molecular epidemiology and clinical significance of HBV genotypes, core promoter (CP) and precore (PC) mutations in Eastern India.


METHODS
Serological, biochemical and molecular assays were used to examine antigens, ALT, genotypes, mutations and viremia among 106 inactive carriers and 183 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients.


RESULTS
Male gender (p < 0.001), HBeAg positivity (p = 0.050), high ALT (p < 0.001), high viremia (p < 0.001), CP mutations (p < 0.001), and genotypes A (p < 0.001) and C (p = 0.027) were significantly associated with CLD. Subjects infected with genotypes A and C had significantly higher prevalence of BCP mutations (p < 0.001), and low incidence of PC mutation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). Prevalence of genotype D was significantly higher among subjects with history of familial/childhood jaundice, while genotypes A and C were frequent among subjects with possible percutaneous exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant differences in risk factors and disease manifestation do exist among patients infected with different HBV genotypes. Genotypes A and C are frequently found among chronic liver disease patients, while genotype D is associated with inactive HBeAg-negative infections. This evaluation of clinical relevance of HBV genotypes, mutations and risk factors may be useful in disease prognosis, management and prevention strategies.
Datta
Sibnarayan
S
ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, India.
Biswas
Avik
A
Chandra
Partha Kumar
PK
Banerjee
Arup
A
Panigrahi
Rajesh
R
Mahapatra
Pradip Kumar
PK
Chakrabarti
Shekhar
S
Panda
Chinmoy Kumar
CK
Chakravarty
Runu
R
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D009154:Mutation; D014766:Viremia
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D000410:Alanine Transaminase