Prevalence of drug-resistant HBV in antiviral therapy experienced Polish patients

• Published in: Antiviral therapy Vol. 19; p. A71
• Main Authors: Dyda, T, Zabek, P, Stanczak, G P, Kolakowska, A, Berak, H, Horban, A, Stanczak, J J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2014
• Subjects: Hepatitis B virus
• ISSN: 1359-6535

The drug resistance to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has crucial clinical implications. Long-term NAs treatment promotes progressive selection of antiviral-resistant HBV mutants. The emergence of resistant mutations is directly associated with virologic breakthrough and precedes worsening of liver function. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of drug resistant HBV mutants among patients with CHB undergoing NAs treatment. The serum samples from 600 persons with CHB admitting infectious diseases clinics were tested by population sequencing of pol gene to determine HBV drug resistance. Drug resistant variants of HBV are widespread among NAs-experienced patients. Resistance mutations are most common in group of lamivudine-treated patients; this might be the result of long-term monotherapy with low genetic-barrier agent. Drug resistance testing becomes crucial point in the planning, efficiency monitoring and management of modern antiviral therapies. Overlapping structure of HBV genome modulates the extent of HBV genetic variability.