Hepatitis B virus genotype B is associated with earlier HBeAg seroconversion compared with hepatitis B virus genotype C

Background & Aims: Recent studies suggest that hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype B Is associated with less active liver disease than HBV genotype C. The aim of our study was to determine If HBV genotype B Is associated with higher rates of spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion compared with genotype C. Methods. A retrospective study using stored sera from 332 Chinese patients with chronic HBV Infection followed for a mean of 48 months (range, 12-98) were tested for HBV genotype using a line-probe assay. Results: HBV DNA was detected In 273 patients, 122 had HBV genotype B and 147 genotype C. Patients with genotype B had a significantly lower prevalence of HBeAg at presentation and significantly higher rates of spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion during follow-up. HBV genotype B patients who were HBeAg positive were significantly younger, and spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion occurred approximately 1 decade earlier compared with HBV genotype C patients. Multivariate analyses identified high alanine aminotransferase (baseline and follow-up), age >30 years, and genotype B as Independent factors associated with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion. Conclusions: HBV genotype B Is associated with earlier HBeAg seroconversion than genotype C. This finding may explain the less active/progressive liver disease In patients with genotype B.