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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection

Published on: December 15, 2023

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Hepatitis B and C

Wikrom Karnsakul1, Kathleen B Schwarz2

  • 1Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 2-117, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|May 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Chronic viral hepatitis, caused by Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, poses a global health challenge. While effective treatments exist for HCV, new therapies are needed for HBV to achieve a functional cure.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic viral hepatitis represents a significant global health concern and economic burden.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the primary etiologies of chronic viral hepatitis in the United States.
  • Many infections remain asymptomatic until adulthood, complicating early detection and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current therapeutic landscape for chronic viral hepatitis caused by HBV and HCV.
  • To highlight the advancements in HCV treatment and the ongoing development of novel therapies for HBV.
  • To underscore the unmet need for more effective treatments, particularly for achieving a functional cure in HBV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on antiviral therapies for HBV and HCV.
  • Analysis of current treatment guidelines and clinical trial outcomes.
  • Synthesis of data on approved medications and emerging direct-acting antiviral agents.

Main Results:

  • Effective therapies, including pegylated interferon and ribavirin, are available for HCV, with direct-acting antivirals in pediatric trials.
  • Approved treatments for HBV include alpha-interferon, lamivudine, adefovir, tenofovir, and entecavir.
  • Current HBV therapies rarely achieve a functional cure, indicating a need for improved treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress has been made in managing HCV, but HBV treatment remains suboptimal.
  • The development of novel therapeutic agents is crucial for achieving a functional cure for HBV.
  • Continued research is essential to address the global health threat posed by chronic viral hepatitis.

Keywords:
Direct-acting antiviral agentsHepatitis BHepatitis CPegylated interferonSpontaneous viral clearanceSustained virologic response

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