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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

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B and C virus infections in Asia

Tran T T Huy1, Kenji Abe

  • 1Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|April 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Asia reveals genotype-specific disease severity and treatment responses. Understanding these viral factors is crucial for managing liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in endemic regions.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major causes of blood-borne infectious diseases globally.
  • These viruses are particularly prevalent in Asia, leading to acute and chronic liver diseases, including liver cancer.
  • Genotypic variations in HBV and HCV influence disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular epidemiology of HBV and HCV, focusing on Asia.
  • To examine the relationship between viral genotypes, pathogenicity, and therapeutic sensitivity.
  • To highlight the significance of HBV/HCV genotypes in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular-based epidemiology studies.
  • Analysis of HBV and HCV genotype distributions and their geographic relevance.
  • Examination of HBV mutants and HCV genotypes in relation to disease severity and treatment.

Main Results:

  • HBV genotypes B and C are prevalent in Asia, with genotype C associated with more severe liver disease.
  • Specific HBV mutants (pre-S, basal core promoter, YMDD, vaccine escape) are common in Asia and linked to disease severity and therapy response.
  • HCV genotype 1 shows reduced sensitivity to interferon therapy and may cause more severe disease.

Conclusions:

  • HBV and HCV genotypes play a significant role in the pathogenicity of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Understanding genotype-specific characteristics is vital for effective therapeutic strategies in endemic regions like Asia.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between HBV/HCV genotypes, disease progression, and treatment efficacy.

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