Naturally occurring deletion/insertion mutations within HBV whole genome sequences in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients are correlated with baseline serum HBsAg and HBeAg levels and might predict a shorter interval to HBeAg loss and seroconversi

Del/Ins mutations within HBV whole genome were prevalent in HBeAg-positive CHB patients prior to antiviral treatment. A higher detection rate of these mutations at baseline might correlate with a better response to LMV and ADV combination therapy.