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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

Current status of liver diseases in Korea: hepatitis B

Hee Bok Chae1, Jong-Hyun Kim, Ja Kyung Kim

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National Unviersity College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea.

The Korean Journal of Hepatology
|December 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant liver disease concern in Korea. Nationwide vaccination has drastically reduced childhood HBV seropositivity, though treatment and vaccine response require further research.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver disease in Korea.
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence decreased from 6.6-8.6% in the 1980s to 5.7% in the 1990s.
  • Nationwide vaccination programs significantly reduced childhood HBV seropositivity to 0.2%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and management of Hepatitis B virus infection in Korea.
  • To highlight advancements in antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B.
  • To identify areas for future research in HBV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on HBsAg prevalence over decades.
  • Analysis of treatment strategies, including interferon alpha, lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, clevudine, and telbivudine.
  • Discussion of vaccine efficacy and challenges.

Main Results:

  • Significant decrease in HBV seropositivity, especially in children, following vaccination.
  • Established efficacy of oral antiviral agents like lamivudine and adefovir for chronic HBV.
  • Identified a 4.25% failure rate in perinatal prophylaxis for infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.

Conclusions:

  • While vaccination has been highly effective, challenges remain in perinatal prophylaxis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
  • The development of potent oral antiviral agents has transformed HBV management.
  • Further research is needed to understand HBV natural history, optimize treatment, and address vaccine non-response.

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