title: Hepatitis B virus genotypes: natural history and implications for treatment.
abstract: There are eight different genotypes named A-H. Genotypes have distinct geographic distribution in different regions of the world. There exists a difference in the disease profile between different genotypes. Genotype A compared with D, and B compared with C have earlier hepatitis B e-antigen seroconversion and less severe liver disease. However, genotypes are closely linked with core promoter and precore mutations. This may have a confounding effect on the association of genotypes with disease progression. Patients with genotype A compared with D and B compared with C have a better treatment response to IFN-alpha. However, there are no differences in the treatment response and rate of emergence of drug-resistant hepatitis B virus between different genotypes to nucleoside/nucleotide analog therapy.
authors.affiliation: The University of Hong Kong, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China. mfyuen@hkucc.hku.hk
authors.forename: Man-Fung
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: Ching-Lung
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005838:Genotype; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents