HBV genotypes - any info?

[dnitzer]

I know the question of genotype testing for HBV is new, and some doctors think it's valuable information, others think it's still academic and not informative when it comes to treatment options.  

Somewhere I could swear I read that with certain genotypes the precore and e antg neg mutants are not possible, that they are more prevalent with other genotypes, and now I can't seem to find that link.  I was hoping to be armed with some information about this topic when I see my doctor next week in order to convince him that it might be worthwhile to get my virus's genotype.   Forewarned is fore-armed, and all that.

[meki]

SteveNY is the dude to be asking about HBV stuff --- He's got the brain for it ---  I don't know if genotype matter specifically in HBV --- it might make a difference --- like with HCV...

[stevenNYer]

There are slight differences in HBV genotype.  I forget which, but certain ones have higher incidence of mutations, another has better response to interferon treatment, and another take longer to seroconvert.  But the difference are slight and doesn't change the course of current treatment.   Doctors normally do HBV genotyping to confirm certain mutations.  If all of a sudden your HBV DNA spikes, then they may want to do genotyping to find out what's going on.  I think you mentioned your HBV DNA is undetectable, in this case you can't do genotyping.  You need somewhat high HBV DNA to do genotyping.