Response to interferon-alfa is hepatitis B virus genotype dependent: genotype A is more sensitive to interferon than genotype D

Background and Aims: Current interferon-alfa (IFN) treatment of chronic hepatitis B has limited efficacy. The role of HBV genotypes for response to IFN was investigated. Patients and Methods: HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing of the HBV X gene in 165 consecutive patients with chronic replicative hepatitis B treated with standard interferon-alfa. HBV genotype A or D was found in 144 cases. Results: Sustained response to standard interferon-alfa therapy was higher in HBV genotype A compared to HBV genotype D infected patients (49% vs. 26%; p