RESUMO
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes may differ in pathogenicity. However, the interplay between different virus characteristics such as genotypes, mutants and virus loads has not been well studied . We investigated the association between HBV genotype, presence of 1896 precore mutation and HBV viral loads in patients with HBV-related liver disease. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen HBV DNA-seropositive patients attending a gastroenterology outpatient clinic and 107 HBV DNA-seropositive blood donors were recruited. The subjects were stratified as those with normal (Group I, n=164) and elevated (Group II, n=59) ALT levels. The HBV genotype and the presence of the 1896 precore mutation were determined, and plasma HBV DNA levels measured. RESULTS: Genotype C was more common in Group II than in Group I (10 (17%) vs. 4 (2.4%); p< 0.005). There was no relationship between the 1896 precore mutation and the HBV DNA levels. Subjects with genotype C (n=14) had higher HBV DNA levels than those with genotypes A (n=33) or D (n=158). CONCLUSIONS: The infecting genotype, but not the presence of 1896 precore mutation, correlates with HBV load. The association of genotype C with higher virus loads and with elevated ALT may point to a greater pathogenicity of this genotype.
Assuntos
Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Genótipo , Hepatite B/genética , Vírus da Hepatite B/genética , Humanos , Índia , Fígado/fisiopatologia , Hepatopatias/genética , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Mutação/genética , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Carga ViralRESUMO
We report two patients with chronic liver disease--a 46-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, both from eastern India--who were found to be infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 6 strains. These strains have been previously reported only from Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
Assuntos
Doença Crônica , Feminino , Genótipo , Hepacivirus/genética , Humanos , Índia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeAssuntos
Técnicas Genéticas , Genótipo , Hepacivirus/genética , Hepatite C/genética , Humanos , Índia , RNA Viral/genéticaRESUMO
The heterogeneity observed between different isolates of the hepatitis C virus has led to stratification of these isolates into different genotypes. Clinically the genetic diversity of the virus has important implications as genotypes respond variably to antiviral therapy and can influence disease prognosis. This article attempts to summarize current knowledge about the different biological properties of HCV genotypes, and their geographical distribution, with special reference to the Indian scenario.