title: Genotype impact on long-term virological outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The importance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype on the clinical course of chronic HBV infection is not yet clarified.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate genotype impact on long-term virological outcome of chronic HBV infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT and HBV DNA levels were determined after a median of 9.2 years of follow-up of 124 adults with chronic HBV infection, of whom 33 were HBeAg-positive at inclusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HBV DNA levels decreased significantly in patients carrying genotype A (n=28), B (n=21) or D (n=63), but not in those with genotype C infection (n=12). Loss of HBeAg was seen in 44% (4/9) of patients with genotype C, as compared with 92% (22/24) with non-C genotypes. Loss of HBsAg was seen in 36% (10/28) patients with genotype A, 5% (1/21) with B, 0% (0/12) with C, and 11% (7/63) with genotype D.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HBV DNA levels decreased over time in patients infected with genotypes A, B or D. However, highly active genotype C or D infection often remained highly active, implying a risk for progressive liver damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malmström
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eilard
authors.forename: Simon B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Larsson
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hannoun
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Norkrans
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens