Objective：To analyze the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene mutation at 1896 in precore region with genotype and replication of HBV and the liver function of patients. Methods：HBV precore 1896 site mutation,the genotype of HBV and serum content of HBV DNA were determined by PCR in 60 patients positive of HBV DNA. Chemiluminescence miacropaticle immunoassay (CMIA) was used for detection of serum HBeAg and HBeAb. Liver function parameters were obtained by routine biochemistry method. Results：The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in HBV with 1896 site mutation was significantly higher than that in the wildtype virus.Site mutation at 1896 had no correlation with HBeAg, HBV genotype and HBV DNA content. HBV DNA content in patient with genotype C was significantly higher than that with genotype B(P＜0.05).Conclusion：Mutation at 1896 in precore region of HBV gene is related to aggravation of hepatocyte injury. The serum content of HBV DNA is higher in genotype C than that in genotype B, indicating genotype C HBV has more active replication activity than genotype B.