Abstract
Purpose: To determine the distribution of the various genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and investigate the association between the genotype and the severity of liver disease.
Patients and methods: Descriptive and analytical study conducted over an 8-month period in two outpatient clinics in Abidjan, Cote-d'Ivoire, West Africa. The study included chronic carriers of HBsAg who had performed HBV genotype testing.
Results: There were 33 patients (27 men, 81.8%; sex ratio = 4.5). The mean age was 46 +/- 12.4 years (range: 25-77 years; median age = 44 years). Hepatitis B virus was fortuitously found in 24 cases (72.7%). Genotype E was found to predominate (27 cases or 81.8%) followed by Genotype A (6 cases or 18.2%). HBeAg was negative in 28 patients (84.9%). We reported 5 cases of chronic hepatitis B with positive HBeAg, 14 cases of chronic hepatitis B with negative HBeAg, and 14 inactive chronic HBV carriers. The viral genotype had no influence on the severity of liver disease.
Conclusion: Genotypes A and E were found with a clear predominance of genotype E. The viral genotype had no influence on the severity of chronic liver disease.