Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes and its clinical significance

Objective To study the distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in Handan area and clarify the genotype-related difference in clinic.Methods Polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)was used to detect the HBV genotypes in 108 HBV-infected patients from Handan area.The clinical significance of HBV genotype was analyzed in combination with the values of HBV DNA and ALT.Results Among the 108 HBV-infected patients,the proportion of genotype B and C was 6.5% and 93.5%,respectively.Genotype distribution showd no significant difference between male and female patients.ALT and AST levels were higher in genotype C group than those in genotype B group.Conclusion HBV genotype C is predominant in chronic hepatitis B patients in Handan area.The positive rates of HBeAg and HBV DNA levels were higher in genotype C group than those in genotype B group.Genotype C was associated with the development of severe liver disease as compared to genotype B.