Positive rates of CNN2 mRNA expression detected by in situ RT-PCR were 41.67% (10/24 cases) in non-metastasis HCC, 56.67% (17/30 cases) in HCC with metastasis, 41.67% (10/24 cases) in hepatitis and 53.13% (17/32 cases) in liver cirrhosis. The gene discussed is CNN2; the disease is hepatitis A virus infection.