Characterization of hepatitis B virus molecular genotypes in Chongqing and quantitative serological markers in patients during natural phases of chronic hepatitis B infection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The present study was launched to systematically characterize the molecular genotypes and quantitative serological biomarkers during the natural course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in a patient population from Chongqing, China. METHODS A total of 140 patients were enrolled and grouped according to the natural phases of HBV infection: HBeAg (+) immune tolerance, immune clearance, HBeAg (-) low replicative and reactivation phase. Nested PCR was used for HBV molecular genotyping and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for quantitative serological detection. RESULTS Subgenotypes B2 and C2 were found to be most prevalent with genotype B patients showing more potent viral activity. HBsAg level was found to be significantly correlated with HBV DNA, HBeAg, age, ALT and AST levels during some phases of CHB. CONCLUSION These results indicated that molecular genotyping and quantitative serological detection might be helpful for earlier prediction of the long-term disease outcomes.