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Clinical features of hepatitis B virus genotype A in Japanese patients.

Authors :
Kobayashi M
Arase Y
Ikeda K
Tsubota A
Suzuki Y
Hosaka T
Saitoh S
Kobayashi M
Suzuki F
Akuta N
Someya T
Matsuda M
Sato J
Kumada H
Source :
Journal of gastroenterology [J Gastroenterol] 2003; Vol. 38 (7), pp. 656-62.
Publication Year :
2003

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype A is predominant in northern Europe and central Africa. In the present study, we examined the clinical features associated with HBV genotype A disease in the Tokyo metropolitan area.<br />Methods: We investigated 53 cases of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive Japanese patients with HBV genotype A. The 53 cases were further classified as to their serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) status being within the normal range (asymptomatic carriers, n = 17), chronic hepatitis (n = 15), liver cirrhosis (n = 4), and acute hepatitis (n = 17).<br />Results: Chronic hepatitis patients had significantly higher HBV DNA levels (P = 0.003) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity rates at the initial visit than did asymptomatic carriers or patients with liver cirrhosis (P = 0.003 and P = 0.054, respectively). The efficacy of treatment (HBeAg seroconversion rate) was 75% in 12 chronic hepatitis patients, which was excellent. A family history of HBsAg positivity was identified in eight (15%) families (five asymptomatic carriers, three with chronic hepatitis). However, none of the mothers in the study was positive for HBV genotype A.<br />Conclusions: Maternal transmission of HBV has often been reported in Japan, but our present findings suggest that horizontal infection of HBV genotype A is more prevalent in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Our data indicate that HBV genotype A exhibits a mode of infection different from that of conventional HBV previously seen in Japan.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0944-1174
Volume :
38
Issue :
7
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of gastroenterology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
12898358
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-003-1118-7