[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.

CONCLUSION

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.