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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

HIV/hepatitis B virus co-infection: current challenges and new strategies

K Lacombe1, J Bottero, M Lemoine

  • 1INSERM UMR-S, Paris, France. karine.lacombe@sat.aphp.fr

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|November 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in HIV patients is manageable with antivirals, but challenges remain. Future efforts must focus on preventing drug resistance, vaccine escape, and ensuring equitable access to care globally.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection impacts 7%-10% of HIV-infected individuals, increasing risks of liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer.
  • Antiviral therapies with dual activity against HBV and HIV reverse transcriptases have transformed HBV management in HIV patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the current paradigm shift in HBV control among HIV-infected patients.
  • To identify key challenges in long-term HBV management, including antiviral resistance and vaccine escape.
  • To highlight the ongoing need for accessible prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in endemic regions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current antiviral therapies for co-infected patients.
  • Analysis of challenges in managing chronic HBV in the context of HIV.
  • Discussion of global health disparities in HBV and HIV care.

Main Results:

  • Viral replication control is achievable with current nucleos(t)ide analogues.
  • Emergence of HBV polymerase/surface gene mutants and vaccine escape are significant long-term concerns.
  • Non-invasive markers for liver fibrosis are useful but not definitive for end-stage liver disease prevention.

Conclusions:

  • While viral replication is controlled, preventing HBV drug resistance and vaccine escape are critical future challenges.
  • Addressing end-stage liver disease in aging populations requires ongoing research beyond current non-invasive markers.
  • Equitable access to HBV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment remains a paramount issue, especially in developing countries with high endemic rates.

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