Hepatitis B.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, causing millions of infections and deaths annually.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on serological markers like HBsAg and IgM anti-HBc, with HBV DNA assessing replication and liver disease activity.
• Despite effective vaccines and current therapies preventing severe outcomes, they rarely achieve viral eradication or HBsAg clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of Hepatitis B diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• To highlight the limitations of existing therapies and the need for novel approaches.
• To discuss the progress and future directions towards achieving the WHO goal of HBV elimination.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic methods including serological testing and HBV DNA quantification.
• Analysis of current treatment options such as pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues.
• Exploration of emerging antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies in clinical development.

Main Results:

• Current diagnostic and treatment strategies can manage HBV infection and prevent complications but do not offer a cure.
• New vaccines with improved immunogenicity are available for adults, and universal infant vaccination remains key for prevention.
• Promising new therapies are under development with the aim of achieving functional cure (HBsAg clearance).

Conclusions:

• Achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 goal for HBV elimination requires enhanced vaccination, screening, and linkage to care.
• Development of curative therapies is essential for viral eradication and functional cure.
• Addressing stigma associated with HBV infection is also critical for effective public health interventions.