BACKGROUND/AIMS: The correlation of HBV genotype with clinical outcome has been recognized in chronic hepatitis B patients. However, there are few reports on the distribution and clinical significance of HBV genotypes in acute hepatitis B patients. METHODOLOGY: Nineteen acute hepatitis B patients were identified and their HBV genotypes were determined. The serological and clinical data were thus compared between patients with different HBV genotypes. RESULTS: Two HBV genotypes (B and C) were found in the patients. Genotype B was more predominant than genotype C (12 vs. 7). The age, serum alanine aminotransferase level, serum alpha-fetoprotein level, and serum HBV DNA level were not significantly different between patients infected with genotype B or C. None of them had persistent HBsAg for longer than 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Genotype B predominates in acute hepatitis B patients in Taiwan; however, the clinical features between genotype B and genotype C patients are comparable.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The correlation of HBV genotype with clinical outcome has been recognized in chronic hepatitis Bpatients. However, there are few reports on the distribution and clinical significance of HBV genotypes in acute hepatitis Bpatients. METHODOLOGY: Nineteen acute hepatitis Bpatients were identified and their HBV genotypes were determined. The serological and clinical data were thus compared between patients with different HBV genotypes. RESULTS: Two HBV genotypes (B and C) were found in the patients. Genotype B was more predominant than genotype C (12 vs. 7). The age, serum alanine aminotransferase level, serum alpha-fetoprotein level, and serum HBV DNA level were not significantly different between patients infected with genotype B or C. None of them had persistent HBsAg for longer than 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Genotype B predominates in acute hepatitis Bpatients in Taiwan; however, the clinical features between genotype B and genotype C patients are comparable.