Global control of hepatitis B virus infection

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells
09:02

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells

Published on: June 5, 2020

Jia-Horng Kao1, Ding-Shinn Chen

  • 1Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|July 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B vaccination significantly reduces chronic carriers and protects children from liver disease and cancer. Global immunization efforts are crucial for controlling the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects 350 million globally, causing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • HBV infection pathogenesis involves immune-mediated hepatocellular injury and distinct phases: immune tolerance, immune clearance, and viral integration.
  • Seven HBV genotypes (A-G) exist with varying geographic distributions and potential clinical relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the global burden of HBV infection and the impact of vaccination and antiviral treatments.
  • To highlight the role of immune responses in the natural history of chronic HBV infection.
  • To assess the efficacy of universal hepatitis B vaccination programs in reducing HBV carriage and preventing liver cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, and control strategies.
  • Analysis of data on the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccines in different populations.
  • Evaluation of current antiviral treatments for chronic HBV infection.

Main Results:

  • Universal hepatitis B vaccination has demonstrated significant reductions in childhood HBV carriage rates.
  • Vaccination protects children against HCC and fulminant hepatitis, as evidenced by studies in Taiwan.
  • Antiviral treatments are available but require further improvement for optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B vaccination is a highly effective strategy for controlling HBV infection and preventing associated liver diseases.
  • Overcoming socioeconomic barriers is essential for the successful worldwide implementation of HBV vaccination programs.
  • Global control of HBV infection is achievable by mid-21st century with continued immunization efforts and advancements in treatment.

More Related Videos

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target11:34

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target

Published on: May 10, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...