Rethinking therapeutic decisions for hepatitis B infection in Syria: insights into molecular monitoring

Wafa Habbal; Fawza Monem

doi:10.3855/jidc.2596

Rethinking therapeutic decisions for hepatitis B infection in Syria: insights into molecular monitoring

Authors

Wafa Habbal Al-Assad Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
Fawza Monem Al-Assad Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.2596

Keywords:

hepatitis B virus, Syria, therapeutic decisions, viral genotype, mutant variants, drug resistance

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-naïve 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.

Author Biographies

Wafa Habbal, Al-Assad Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria

Supervisor, Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Clinical Laboratories Department

Fawza Monem, Al-Assad Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria

Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University

Director, Clinical Laboratories Department, Al-Assad Hospital, Damascus University

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Published

2012-10-19

How to Cite

Habbal W, Monem F (2012) Rethinking therapeutic decisions for hepatitis B infection in Syria: insights into molecular monitoring. J Infect Dev Ctries 6:744–747. doi: 10.3855/jidc.2596

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Issue

Vol. 6 No. 10: October 2012

Section

Brief Original Articles

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