Clinical findings in a multi-ethnic adult hepatitis B virus patient population in Denmark with emphasis on genotypic characteristics

AbstractObjective. Most knowledge about chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is based upon studies in high-endemic areas with one or two predominant genotype(s). The aim of the study was to describe clinical characteristics of a heterogeneous genotypic HBV patient population in a low-endemic European country. Methods. Data from HBV patients currently followed in a Danish university hospital and affiliated regional clinics were reviewed in accordance to genotype status. Results. Of 540 HBV patients, 462 (86%) were of non-Danish ethnicity originating from 43 different countries. HBV genotype was known in 37% of the patients: A (11%), B (25%), C (25%), D (37%) and E (2%). Logistic regression analysis of pre-treatment data among genotype A-D patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy revealed a decreased HBeAg rate by age (OR = 0.93; CI: 0.89–0.97; p < 0.01) and an increased rate in genotype C patients (OR = 20.5; CI: 3.3–129; p < 0.01). Among untreated patients HBeAg rate was also significan...