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Management of chronic hepatitis B infection: an update
1Department of Gastroenterology, VIMS, RKM Seva Pratisthan, Calcutta.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects millions in India, particularly children. Current treatments prevent liver disease progression, but research seeks agents to eradicate HBV by targeting its DNA in liver cells.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health concern in India, with approximately 43 million individuals affected.
- Chronic HBV infection poses a risk for severe liver conditions like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in children.
- Existing treatments include immunomodulators and antivirals, primarily aimed at managing the infection and preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel therapeutic agents capable of completely eradicating the hepatitis B virus.
- To investigate strategies targeting the persistent covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of HBV within hepatocytes.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the identification of a suitable agent.
- The research aims to find an agent that can act on HBV cccDNA.
- The target is the elimination of HBV from infected hepatic cells.
Main Results:
- The abstract does not contain specific results as it focuses on the research aim.
- The research is in the phase of identifying a suitable agent for HBV eradication.
Conclusions:
- Complete eradication of HBV remains a critical goal in managing chronic infection.
- Targeting the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in liver cells is a promising strategy for achieving a cure.
Abstract:
Almost 43 million people in India are harbouring hepatitis B virus (HBV) in their blood. Chronic HBV infection may be with or without sign/symptom of liver disease. Children are more prone to suffer from chronic HBV infection compared to adults and adolescents. Treatment aims at prevention of its sequelae namely cirrhosis and subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma. At the moment two major groups of agents are available for treatment. These are (a) immunomodulators and (b) antivirals. Present research aims at identification of a suitable agent to act on HBV covalently closed circular DNA persisting in hepatic cells for complete eradication of HBV.