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.
Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.