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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Hepatitis B virus genotypes and hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan

Etsuro Orito1, Masashi Mizokami

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan. orito@med.nagoya-cu.c.jp

Intervirology
|December 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes B and C show distinct clinical and virological differences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients between Japan and Taiwan. HBV subtypes may explain these variations, impacting HCC etiology and clinical studies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in Southeast Asia.
  • HBV genotypes B (HBV/B) and C (HBV/C) are prevalent in the region.
  • Clinical and virological characteristics of HCC patients infected with HBV/B and HBV/C can vary geographically.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate clinical and virological differences in HCC patients infected with HBV/B and HBV/C between Japan and Taiwan.
  • To investigate the potential role of HBV subtypes in observed differences.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of HCC patient data from Japan and Taiwan.
  • Assessment of HBV genotype and subtype prevalence.
  • Comparison of mean age at diagnosis for HCC patients based on HBV genotype.

Main Results:

  • In Japan, HBV/C is dominant (85%) and associated with younger HCC patients (mean age 55) compared to HBV/B (12%, mean age 70).
  • In Taiwan, HBV/B is more prevalent (61%) and associated with younger HCC patients (mean age 50) compared to HBV/C (31%, mean age 59).
  • Distinct HBV/B subtype distributions (Ba in Taiwan, Bj in Japan) may explain these epidemiological differences.

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences exist in HBV genotype prevalence and associated HCC patient demographics between Japan and Taiwan.
  • HBV/B subtypes (Bj vs. Ba) likely contribute to the observed clinical and epidemiological variations in HCC.
  • Etiological and clinical studies of HCC must consider HBV genotype and subtype diversity.

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