Hepatitis B virus genotypes and extrahepatic manifestations

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
• Extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs) are common in patients with chronic HBV.
• The role of HBV genotypes in the development of EHMs remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between specific hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and the occurrence of extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs) in patients with chronic HBV infection.
• To identify potential viral or host factors associated with EHMs in this population.

Main Methods:

• A national, multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in France.
• 190 patients with chronic HBV infection (HBsAg-positive for ≥6 months) had their HBV genotypes determined prior to treatment.
• Clinical and biological extrahepatic manifestations were assessed and correlated with epidemiological, viral, and hepatic factors.

Main Results:

• Among 190 patients, 16% had clinical EHMs and 15% had biological EHMs. Clinical EHMs were not associated with HBV genotypes but correlated with higher platelet counts.
• Biological EHMs were associated with anti-HBe antibody positivity and elevated platelet counts.
• Carriage of precore mutant HBV was linked to an increased risk of biological EHMs.

Conclusions:

• No association was found between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and the presence of either clinical or biological extrahepatic manifestations in patients with chronic HBV infection.
• Platelet count and precore mutant HBV carriage emerged as potential factors associated with EHMs, warranting further investigation.