Update on Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Abstract

SUMMARY Acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 350 million people worldwide have chronic HBV infection and that 1 million persons die each year from HBV-related chronic liver disease. In the past decade, significant progress in the understanding of the molecular virology and pathogenesis of HBV infection has been made. In addition, effective treatment modalities have been developed for persons with chronic infection. Worldwide, prevention of HBV transmission has become a high priority. In 1992, the Global Advisory Group to the World Health Organization recommended that all countries integrate hepatitis B vaccine into national immunization programs by 1997. Currently, 80 countries have done so and several others are planning to. Many countries have reported dramatic reductions in the prevalence of chronic HBV infection among children born since the hepatitis B vaccine was introduced into infant immunization schedules. Recent reports from Taiwan indicate a reduction in the incidence of liver cancer among children as a result of widespread hepatitis B vaccination programs.

Hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-infected persons

“…In an HIVuninfected adult, 90% to 95% of acute HBV infections result in viral recovery, which is detected by the presence of hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) [7]. Of the 5% to 10% of individuals who maintain the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (chronic hepatitis B), some eliminate the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), develop antibodies against HBeAg (anti-HBe), and have undetectable levels of HBV DNA (inactive carrier).…”

Electrochemical DNA biosensor based on gold nanorods for detecting hepatitis B virus

“…There are an estimated 400 million people worldwide who live with chronic HBV infection [19], and mortality as a result of liver disease caused by HBV infection is estimated to be approximately one million people annually [20]. Therefore, there have been great efforts to develop methods for detecting and quantifying HBV.…”

Factors contributing to antiviral effect of adefovir dipivoxil therapy added to ongoing lamivudine treatment in patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B

“…Chronic HBV infection can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), resulting in hepatic disease-related deaths of 500,000 to 1.2 million persons [2,3]. To prevent disease progression and improve the prognosis of patients with chronic HBV infection, HBV DNA replication must be continuously suppressed as much as possible by antiviral therapy.…”