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HBV genetic diversity: Implication in pathology, therapy and evolution of infection- Lia Monica Junie- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu.

Lia Monica Junie

 Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible of chronic infection in 350 million people worldwide and represents a major factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There are eight main HBV genotypes with particular geographic distribution. Mutations appear as a response to external pressure and host’s conditions. Assays are available to determine HBV genotypes and to detect the presence of viral mutants, including those that confer drug resistance. Vaccine escape mutants are also studied. The genetic diversity of HBV plays an important role in the evolution of HBV infections and has been associated with clinical outcome and response to antiviral therapy.