Background/Aims: Possible pathogenic differences among hepatitis B virus (H
BV) genotypes have been observed; however, the response to interferon thera
py among HBV genotypes remains unknown. We therefore analyzed the efficacy
of interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with di
fferent HBV genotypes,
Methods: Fifty-eight genotype B or C infected chronic hepatitis B patients
who had been treated with interferon alfa-2b were retrospectively studied.
The response to interferon was defined as normalization of serum aminotrans
ferase level, loss of hepatitis B e antigen and HBV DNA 48 weeks post-treat
ment,
Results: Baseline data of both groups of patients were comparable; however,
genotype C patients had a higher serum aminotransferase level and a higher
frequency of core promoter mutation, The response rate was 41% and 15% in
genotype B and C patients, respectively (p=0.045), In those with higher ser
um aminotransferase levels, the response rate was 50% and 17%, respectively
(p=0.025). Additionally, younger age and genotype B infection may predict
a better response to interferon alfa,
Conclusions: HBV genotype C, compared to genotype B, is associated with a h
igher frequency of core promoter mutation, and a lower response rate to int
erferon alfa therapy.