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Published on: September 25, 2019
HBV Infection in HIV-Driven Immune Suppression
Loredana Sarmati1, Vincenzo Malagnino1
1Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Insights
Approximately 10% of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are coinfected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This review highlights the risks of chronic HBV, liver disease, and cancer in coinfected individuals, stressing tailored antiretroviral therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection affects 10% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals globally.
- HBV/HIV coinfection is associated with severe liver disease, including fibrosis, end-stage liver disease (ESLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Occult HBV infection (OBI), characterized by HBV-DNA presence despite negative serological markers, is a concern in coinfected patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key aspects of HBV infection in HIV-positive patients.
- To emphasize the clinical significance of HBV/HIV coinfection.
- To highlight the importance of considering coinfection in antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review.
- Literature search on HBV infection in HIV-positive individuals.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on epidemiology, prognosis, and management.
Main Results:
- HBV coinfection significantly worsens the prognosis of HIV infection.
- Increased risks of chronic HBV infection (CHB), liver fibrosis, ESLD, and HCC are observed.
- Occult HBV infection (OBI) requires careful evaluation in coinfected patients.
Conclusions:
- Management of HBV/HIV coinfection requires a comprehensive approach.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies must be tailored to address both viral infections.
- Further research and clinical vigilance are crucial for optimizing outcomes in coinfected patients.
Abstract:
Worldwide, approximately 10% of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people are also chronically coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV infection has a poor prognosis in HIV-positive people and has been documented by an increased risk of developing chronic HBV infection (CHB), progression to liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and evolution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, in HIV patients, HBV-resolved infection is often associated with the appearance of HBV-DNA, which configures occult HBV infection (OBI) as a condition to be explored in coinfected patients. In this narrative review we summarize the main aspects of HBV infection in HIV-positive patients, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the coinfected patient in the context of therapeutic strategies of antiretroviral therapy.
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