Hepatitis B virus infection

Lancet. 2014 Dec 6;384(9959):2053-63. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60220-8. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem worldwide; roughly 30% of the world's population show serological evidence of current or past infection. Hepatitis B virus is a partly double-stranded DNA virus with several serological markers: HBsAg and anti-HBs, HBeAg and anti-HBe, and anti-HBc IgM and IgG. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood and semen. A safe and effective vaccine has been available since 1981, and, although variable, the implementation of universal vaccination in infants has resulted in a sharp decline in prevalence. Hepatitis B virus is not cytopathic; both liver damage and viral control--and therefore clinical outcome--depend on the complex interplay between virus replication and host immune response. Overall, as much as 40% of men and 15% of women with perinatally acquired hepatitis B virus infection will die of liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to decreasing hepatic inflammation, long-term antiviral treatment can reverse cirrhosis and reduce hepatocellular carcinoma. Development of new therapies that can improve HBsAg clearance and virological cure is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis B* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B* / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B* / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Interferons / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Interferons