Hepatitis B virus genotypes in Southeast Brazil and its relationship with histological features

Abstract

Data concerning the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and liver histology are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare HBV non-B and non-C genotypes according to demographic features, clinical status, HBV-DNA levels and liver histology in Rio de Janeiro. One hundred twenty one consecutive chronic HBV-infected patients were enrolled during two-year period and data were prospectively collected. Sera were tested for HBV genotyping using restriction fragment length polymorphism. Liver biopsy was obtained from patients with either increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or HBV-DNA levels. Genotype A was the most common, found in 82 (68%) patients, followed by F in 19 (15%), D in 17 (14%), B in one (1%) and C in two (2%). There was no association between HBV genotypes A, D and F and gender (p = 0.37), age (p = 0.78), race (p = 0.22), mode of infection (p = 0.94), HB "e" antigen status (p = 0.37) and HBV-DNA levels (p = 0.47). The ALT levels were lower in genotype D (75%) compared with A (47%) and F (55%) (p = 0.05). Liver biopsy showed lower inflammation &#91;histological activity index (HAI) = 4&#93; and fibrosis (F) (= 0) scores in genotype D than in genotypes A (HAI = 5, p < 0.001; F = 2, p = 0.008) or F (HAI = 5, p = 0.009; F = 2, p = 0.01). Genotype A was the most prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients and genotype D patients presented with less intense liver disease

Biological Characterization of Hepatitis B virus Genotypes: Their Role in Viral Replication and Antigen Expression

“…In this regard, previous works have shown that cytosolic HBeAg can suppress IL-1β-mediated NF-κB activation and impair JAK-STAT signaling leading to the repression of interferon action, providing a molecular mechanism that also promotes persistence of infection ( Wilson et al, 2011 ; Mitra et al, 2019 ). Therefore, the intracellular retention of HBeAg detected in genotype A2 may contribute to counteract the immune pressure, thus favoring viral persistence in up to 10% of the adulthood infection ( Kobayashi et al, 2002 ; Suzuki et al, 2005 ; Nabuco, 2012 ).…”

Hepatitis B in the Northwestern region of Sao Paulo State: genotypes and resistance mutations

“…The distribution of cases according to the skin color showed a higher concentration among white people, in contrast to the findings of Nabuco et al . 14 and Cruz-Santos et al . 13 in Rio de Janeiro and Maranhao States, respectively.…”

Analysis of hepatitis B virus genotypes by restriction fragment length polymorphism

“…It is important to take into account the genetic variability of HBV when identifying the polymorphisms that modify RFLP patterns present at each restriction enzyme recognition site. Nevertheless, RFLP continues to be used for HBV genotyping (32,35,36).…”