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.