A19 Genetic markers for protease inhibitor drug resistance in regions outside of the protease gene

Stop codon mutation on Pre-Core, G1896A, was found in 23 of 98 patients (23.47%); among them, 20 of 23 (86.96%) are genotype B. Mutations related to antiviral drug resistance with frequency more than 1% in the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of Polymerase gene were identified. 83.67% sequences have more than one mutation. 50% sequences have mutation at rtI169V/M, and all belong to sub-genotype B. Mutations at rtM204I/V and rtM250I were present in 23.47% and 11.22% of isolates (23 and 11 of 98, respectively), and was higher in sub-genotype C (Pvalues1⁄4 0.06 and<0.01, respectively). Our study provides high precision whole genome sequences of the Vietnamese HBV population and shows potential information related to treatment prediction for HBV infection as well as viral evolution. A further study with larger sample size and intensive analysis combined with clinical information promises more useful data for treatment and invention.