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Comparison of genotypes C and D of the hepatitis B virus in Japan: A clinical and molecular biological study
Author(s) -
Duong Tran Nhu,
Horiike Norio,
Michitaka Kojiro,
Yan Chen,
Mizokami Masashi,
Tanaka Yasuhito,
Jyoko Kouji,
Yamamoto Kazutoshi,
Miyaoka Hiroaki,
Yamashita Yoshimasa,
Ohno Naofumi,
Onji Morikazu
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.20044
Subject(s) - genotype , asymptomatic carrier , virology , hbeag , hepatitis b virus , hepatocellular carcinoma , liver disease , orthohepadnavirus , asymptomatic , biology , cirrhosis , hepadnaviridae , medicine , virus , genetics , hbsag , gene
The genotype‐related differences between genotype C and genotype D of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remain unknown. The relationship was studied between the HBV genotypes and their clinical features, paying special attention to genotypes C and D. Serum samples from 413 HBV carriers were genotyped using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The nucleotide sequences at the basic core promoter (BCP) and precore (PreC) regions were analysed by direct sequencing. The full genome sequences of three HBV genotype D cases were also examined. Almost all carriers with HBV genotype D were asymptomatic carriers (84.2%). Genotype D was not found in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast, carriers with genotype C had mainly chronic liver disease (63.2%; P < 0.001). The ratio of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)/anti‐HBe was significantly higher in genotype C than in genotype D in the young age‐matched group ( P < 0.01). The mutation at BCP (T1762, A1764) was significantly lower in genotype D than in genotype C among HBeAg‐negative patients ( P < 0.05). The HBV full‐genome sequences are very similar to certain HBV genotype D sequences from Europe. In conclusion, genotype C was associated with chronic liver disease, whereas genotype D was related to asymptomatic carriers with earlier HBeAg seroconversion. Thus, the outcome of chronic HBV infection may be different in persons infected with HBV genotypes C and D. J. Med. Virol. 72:551–557, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.