Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B

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Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B.

Gastrointestinal infections

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 21(5):508-515, October 2008.

Alazawi, ; , Graham R

Abstract:

Purpose of review: Hepatitis B virus is responsible for much morbidity and

mortality worldwide. Although the armament of drugs licensed for its treatment

grows, it is increasingly apparent that the efficacy of these drugs is dependent

upon much more that their pharmacology.

Recent findings: A better understanding of the natural history of chronic

hepatitis B infection together with recent advances in the molecular biology of

antiviral resistance have given added dimensions to physicians' decision-making

thought processes.

Summary: The present review outlines the recent advances in diagnostic testing

that enable a better understanding of an individual patient's phase of illness

and also how such information can update treatment choices better. In the second

part of this review, the licensed therapies and their relative merits are

discussed, as is their role in managing resistance to antiviral therapy.