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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
04:11
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
Milestones and perspectives in viral hepatitis B
1Department of Medicine and Hepatology, Henry Dunant Hospital and Liver Research Unit, Athens University, Evgenidion Hospital, Athens, Greece. hadziyannis@ath.forthnet.gr
Summary
Research on hepatitis B virus (HBV) has advanced significantly, leading to improved treatments. Current therapies, including pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN), aim for HBsAg loss, offering a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the 1960s.
- Advances in serology, epidemiology, and understanding of HBV's clinical spectrum.
- Elucidation of viral molecular biology, including variants and mutants.
Observation:
- Milestones in molecular diagnosis and monitoring of HBV infection.
- Detailed studies on host immune responses and pathogenesis of HBV-induced liver disease.
- Identification of extrahepatic manifestations associated with HBV.
Findings:
- Chronological treatment milestones: recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in the 1980s, oral antivirals (1998-present), and pegylated IFN-α (PEG-IFN) (2005).
- PEG-IFN-α treatment now targets HBsAg loss in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.
- On-treatment monitoring of HBV DNA and HBsAg levels is crucial for assessing treatment efficacy.
Implications:
- Progress suggests potential for curative therapies for all HBV infection phases.
- Current focus on making effective treatments widely available and affordable.
- Application of existing therapies to reduce HBV-related morbidity and mortality.
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