Impact of HBV Core Promoter Mutations on Viral Load
Author Information
Author(s): Fang Zhong-Liao, Sabin Caroline A, Dong Bai-Qing, Wei Shao-Chao, Chen Qin-Yan, Fang Kong-Xiong, Yang Jin-Ye, Wang Xue-Yan, Harrison Tim J
Primary Institution: UCL Medical School
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the association of HBV core promoter double mutations with viral load while controlling for HBeAg status.
Conclusion
BCP double mutations are associated with lower viral loads in HBeAg positive individuals but have no effect on the viral loads of anti-HBe positive individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- BCP double mutations are significantly associated with lower viral loads in HBeAg positive subjects.
- No significant difference in viral loads was found in anti-HBe positive subjects with BCP double mutations.
- Longitudinal analysis confirmed the findings of the cross-sectional data.
Takeaway
This study found that certain mutations in the hepatitis B virus can lower the amount of virus in the blood for some patients, but not for others.
Methodology
The study involved cross-sectional analysis of 190 individuals and longitudinal analysis of 56 individuals from a Chinese cohort.
Potential Biases
The study may have biases related to the selection of participants and the potential confounding effects of other mutations.
Limitations
The study had a limited sample size for certain subgroups, which affected the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Participants were hepatitis B surface antigen positive individuals aged 30-55 from Guangxi, China.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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