Basal core-promoter mutant of hepatitis B virus and progression of liver disease in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B

Background/Aims: The long‐term outcomes in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative chronic hepatitis B are distinct from those in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis. However, the molecular virological factors that contribute to the progression of liver disease in this special clinical setting remain largely unknown. We thus investigated the association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes as well as precore/basal core‐promoter mutations with the clinical and virological characteristics of patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B in Taiwan. Methods: HBV genotypes and sequences of precore and basal core‐promoter regions of the HBV genome were determined in 174 HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV infection patients including 62 inactive carriers and 112 with different stages of liver disease. Results: HBV carriers with older age (>50 years) (odds ratio, 9.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.22–25, P