Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes and its clinical significance in Hubei province, China

The distribution of hepatitis B virus genotype in Hubei province and its clinical significance were investigated. HBV genotypes of 276 patients were detected by PCR-microplate sandwich hybrization-ELISA technique. The level of HBV DNA was detected by using PCR-fluorescence quantification test. Among 276 patients, there were 78 cases of HBV asymptomatic carriers, 110 cases of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 62 cases of severe hepatitis (SH) or liver cirrhosis (LC) and 26 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The genotypes of HBV included C, B, mixtures (B+C, B+D, C+D) and D, accounting for 55.8%, 25.4%, 16.7% and 2.1% respectively. The average level of HBV DNA in genotypes C, B, mixtures and D was 1.20×106, 7.81×104, 3.26×105 and 5.01×104 copies/mL respectively. The ratio of SH, LC and HCC in genotype B, C and mixtures was 20%, 30% and 48% respectively. Statistical analysis revealed the percentage of genotype mixtures infection was significantly higher than that of genotype B infection. There was no significant difference in the percentage between genotype B and genotype C or between genotype C and mixtures. The distribution of genotype B, C and mixtures in SH, LC and HCC was significantly different. The frequency of HCC was zero in patients with co-infection. Genotype D was only related with SH and LC. The increased ALT could be converted to categorical grades of severity. From mild, moderate to severity, the prevalence of genotype C showed an opposite trend, although no statistically significant difference was observed. The HBeAg positive rate was higher in patients with genotype C infection than in those with genotype B, especially in the patients whose ages were from 31 to 40 years old. Compared with genotype B, genotype C showed a higher HBeAg positive rate in patients with SH and LC. The percentage of SH, LC and HCC was higher in patients with genotype C and mixtures infection. On the contrary, the percentage of genotype B was lower. The HBeAg positive rate in patients with genotype C infection was higher than those with genotype B infection. Genotype C and mixtures may be associated with development of severe liver disease.