2. Sero-profile of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and their genotypes in cirrhosis of liver in northeastern states

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection is a major global health problem and an important cause of liver cirrhosis in India. Different HBV genotypes have implications in therapy and prognosis while treating HBV, especially in cirrhotics. We studied the HBV genotyping in 131 cirrhotic patients along with 355 blood donors as healthy controls. Methods: A total of 131 cirrhosis cases from AMCH, Dibrugarh were recruited in the study Patient's blood samples were collected in EDTA or Clot Activator vials. Genotyping was done by Type specific polymerase chain reaction method. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Anti Hepatitis B core Antigen, Anti-HBs, Hepatitis B core IgM, Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HbeAg) and envelope antibody were examined using specific commercial kits. Results: The age ranged from 29 to 84 years with median age being 48 years (SD ± 12.2). The prevalence of HBsAg was 48.1% (63/131). The HBcAb was randomly seen in 63 cases of cirrhosis and was found to be positive in 39.7%. HBeAg was done in 37 HBsAg positive cases of cirrhosis and the prevalence of HBeAg was found to be 59.5% (22/37). HBV genotype was done in 33 cases of cirrhosis and the most common genotype found was genotype D (84%) followed by genotype C (12%) and genotype A (3%). Out of 355 blood donors only 2 were HBsAg positive and were found to be of genotype A. Conclusions: Cirrhosis with HBV infection, Genotype D was the most dominant genotype followed by genotype C while genotype A was found to be the least prevalent. The seroprevalance of HbeAg in HBV positive cirrhosis patients was found to be higher as compared to HBcAb and HbsAg. The authors have none to declare.