Introduction: Chronic infection with different genotypes of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to affect disease progression and the clinical outcome. Information from this study will aid in gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) as well as to gauge the extent of liver damage caused by the different HBV genotypes prevalent in New Delhi.

Material and methods: In a study group of 50 HBsAg positive CHB patients, the HBV genotype was identified by using PCR–RFLP analysis of the S gene. Patients were evaluated clinically, and were subjected to various serological and histopathological investigations.

Results: The most common HBV genotype was D (31/50, 62%), followed by A (15/50, 30%) and mixed A/D genotype (4/50, 8%). Patients infected with HBV genotype D had significantly higher levels of serum viral load and a higher median histological activity index (HAI) score when compared to genotypes A and A/D (p<0.05).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that Genotypes A, D and A/D exist in CHB patients in New Delhi, and among these Genotype D is the commonest and is associated with a greater derangement of liver function.