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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

Hepatitis B virus and HIV infection

Luz Martín-Carbonero1, Eva Poveda

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. lmcarbonero@gmail.com

Seminars in Liver Disease
|July 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection requires careful attention. Effective antiviral therapy targeting both viruses is crucial to prevent accelerated liver disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • 5-10% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals globally are coinfected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV).
  • HIV/HBV coinfection accelerates liver disease progression, leading to higher rates of cirrhosis and liver-related mortality compared to HBV monoinfection.
  • Therapeutic management of coinfection is a priority due to increased disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the natural history of HIV/HBV coinfection.
  • To provide updated guidance on optimal drug selection for treating coinfected patients.
  • To discuss concerns regarding drug resistance and vaccine escape mutants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on HIV/HBV coinfection.
  • Analysis of antiviral drug activity against both HIV and HBV.
  • Examination of resistance patterns and implications for treatment.

Main Results:

  • Certain antiretrovirals (tenofovir, lamivudine, emtricitabine) are effective against both HIV and HBV and recommended for coinfected patients.
  • HBV-specific antivirals (entecavir, adefovir) may have residual HIV activity but can select for HIV resistance mutations.
  • Careful drug selection within potent antiretroviral therapy is essential.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal management of HIV/HBV coinfection necessitates dual-acting antiviral agents.
  • Vigilance regarding potential drug resistance and vaccine escape is critical.
  • Personalized treatment strategies are key to improving outcomes in coinfected individuals.

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