Institute Epidemiology Genotypes
Hepatitis B virus is the most studied among the other hepatitis viruses. However, in the last decade of his genetic variation has a significant impact on the course and outcome of disease. Such variability manifested in the existence of different genotypes of hepatitis B virus, and in the emergence of viral mutations. Modern classification of hepatitis B virus consists of eight genotypes, designated by Latin letters from A to H. Recently there is increasing evidence pointing to the fact that hbv genotype may influence the severity of the disease, the incidence of chronic forms of the probability of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. In addition, the response to antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis, at least partially related to hbv genotype. Geographical spread of the different genotypes of hepatitis B virus is very extensive.
In Europe, the most common genotypes A and D. Among patients with genotype A frequently diagnosed chronic hepatitis high activity with severe, there is a trend to earlier formation of liver cirrhosis compared to genotype D. Genotype D hepatitis B virus more susceptible to mutations that may determine severe, progressive form of the disease with the most poor prognosis and a low incidence of response to drug therapy. Clinical studies recent years have demonstrated that long-term development and establishment of chronic hepatitis B infection accompanied by the gradual accumulation of stable mutant viruses that can go from the immune surveillance organism. This explains the registration of all new cases of chronic hepatitis B, despite the vaccination of the population. Moreover, with weakened immunity, illness caused by a mutant hepatitis B virus occurs during the many years of virtually asymptomatic. Undoubtedly, studying the role of mutant hbv genotypes in severe acute and chronic hepatitis will continue, and the development of laboratory methods for the analysis of hbv genotypes is designed to ensure rapid use of new information in a wide diagnostic and therapeutic practice. As commented for Max-Well Science Inform Service Tatiana Sergeeva, Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis and hiv infections of the Institute Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases. lv Gromashevskiy analysis of the results of laboratory studies of markers of hepatitis B helps your doctor diagnose and determine the phase of the disease, which has undoubted importance for the successful treatment of patients.