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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
The dilemma of cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B virus interaction
Muzammil M Khan1, Mukarram J Ali1, Hira Hanif1
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Liver Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global public health problem despite the availability of effective vaccine and antiviral therapy. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), another hepatotropic virus, is also very prevalent in the general population worldwide. Both HBV and CMV can persist in the host and have potential to reactivate especially with weakened host cellular immunity. Superimposed CMV infection can lead to severe HBV reactivation. The pathogenesis of the co-infection of HBV and CMV remains poorly understood. Studies reported conflicting results regarding the inhibitory effect of CMV on HBV replication. There is an unmet need on the management of co-infection of HBV and CMV; research initiatives dedicated to understanding their interactions are urgently needed.
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