Rethinking therapeutic decisions for hepatitis B infection in Syria: insights into molecular monitoring.
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Habbal W, Monem F
Rethinking therapeutic decisions for hepatitis B infection in Syria: insights into molecular monitoring.
J Infect Dev Ctries. 2012 Oct 19;6(10):744-7. doi: 10.3855/jidc.2596.
- PubMed ID
- 23103897 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus patients are usually treated in Syria with alpha interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues. Genotypic viral factors causing inadequate response or relapse following initial response are not routinely investigated. This study aimed to explore and discuss local therapeutic decisions from a molecular perspective. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with hepatitis B from Syria were tested for HBV genotyping and drug-resistance mutations by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: All patients had genotype D, which is characterized by relatively low response to interferon-based therapy. Drug-resistant viral mutant variants were detected in one fifth of the enrolled patients, and distributed similarly in both nucleos(t)ide analogues-naive and -treated patients. However, nucleos(t)ide analogues-based therapy was associated with the existence of more mutations and hence increased resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Investigating HBV genotypes and drug-resistance mutations to support treatment decisions is critically needed for efficient therapy and patients' survival.