The Hepatitis B Virus(HBV) has a worldwide distribu-tion and is endemic in many populations. It is constantly evolving and 10 genotypic strains have been identified with varying prevalences in different geographic regions. Numerous stable mutations in the core gene and in the su-rface gene of the HBV have also been identified in untreated HBV populations. The genotypes and viral variants have been associated with certain clinical featu-res of HBV related liver disease and Hepatocellu-lar carcinoma. For example Genotype C is associated withlater hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag) seroconversion, and more advanced liver disease. Genotype A is associated with a greater risk of progression to chronicity in adu-lt acqu-ired HBV infections. Genotype D is particu-larly associated with the precore mu-tation and HBe Ag negative chronic hepatitis B(CHB). The genotypes prevalent in parts of West Africa, Central and Sou-th America, E, F and H respectively, are less well stu-died. Viral variants especially the Basal Core Promotor mutation is associated with increased risk of fibrosis and cancer of the liver. Althou-gh not cu-rrently part of rou-tine clinical care, evalu-ation of genotype and viral variants may provide u-sefu-l adju-nctive information in predicting risk abou-t liver related morbidity in patients with CHB. The ispatient B virus (HBV) has a worldwide distribu- tion and is endemic in many populations. It is constantly evolving and 10 genotypic strains have been identified with varying prevalences in different geographic regions. Numerous stable mutations in the core gene and in the su -face gene of the HBV have also been identified in untreated HBV populations. The genotypes and viral variants have been associated with certain clinical featu-res of HBV related liver disease and Hepatocellu-lar carcinoma. For example, Genotype C is associated with latern hepatitis B e Genotype A is associated with a greater risk of progression to chronicity in adu-lt Acqu-ired HBV infections. Genotype D is particuly-larly associated with the precore mu-tation and HBe Ag negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The genotypes prevalent in parts of West Africa, Central and Sou-th America, E, F and H respectively, are less well stu-died. Viral variants especia lly the Basal Core Promotor mutation is associated with increased risk of fibrosis and cancer of the liver. Althou-gh not cu-rrently part of rou-tine clinical care, evalua- tion of genotype and viral variants may provide u-sefu-l adju -nctive information in predicting risk abou-t liver related morbidity in patients with CHB.