<![CDATA[Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global health concern, with viral genetic diversity playing an important role in immune evasion and disease persistence. Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a potent immunosuppressive cytokine that may facilitate HBV persistence; however, its relationship with HBV genotypic variation remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the association between HBV genotypes and serum IL-35 concentrations among patients with HBV infection. A total of 150 participants were enrolled, comprising 60 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 60 inactive HBV carriers, and 30 healthy controls. HBV genotypes were identified using polymerase chain reaction-based methods, while serum IL-35 concentrations were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum IL-35 concentrations were significantly higher among patients with CHB (85.4 ± 12.3 pg/mL) than among healthy controls (p < 0.001). Patients infected with HBV genotype C also exhibited significantly higher IL-35 concentrations than those infected with genotype D (p = 0.021). Furthermore, serum IL-35 concentrations were strongly and positively correlated with HBV DNA viral load. These findings indicate that HBV genotype C is associated with a stronger IL-35-mediated immunosuppressive response, which may contribute to viral chronicity and more severe clinical outcomes. This study provides evidence of genotype-specific immune modulation in HBV infection and highlights the potential relevance of IL-35 in evaluating viral persistence and disease progression.]]>
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