Hepatitis B virus genotypes: natural history and implications for treatment

Abstract

There are eight different genotypes named A–H. Genotypes have distinct geographic distribution in different regions of the world. There exists a difference in the disease profile between different genotypes. Genotype A compared with D, and B compared with C have earlier hepatitis B e-antigen seroconversion and less severe liver disease. However, genotypes are closely linked with core promoter and precore mutations. This may have a confounding effect on the association of genotypes with disease progression. Patients with genotype A compared with D and B compared with C have a better treatment response to IFN-α. However, there are no differences in the treatment response and rate of emergence of drug-resistant hepatitis B virus between different genotypes to nucleoside/nucleotide analog therapy.