| dc.description.abstract | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common chronic viral infection worldwide and has shown an increase in morbidity and mortality over the last 20 years. It is the second most common cause of acute viral hepatitis. This chapter discusses the immunopathogenesis and virology of HBV, diagnosis and HBV serology, natural history and course of hepatitis B virus, and the management of hepatitis B virus. Novel treatment strategies in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to maximize the efficacy of currently available treatments, include viral entry inhibitors, targets against cccDNA formation and degradation. CHB requires repeated measurement of viral parameters and liver function to accurately determine disease phase and formulate a management/ care plan. The chapter examines the immune aspects of conventional HBV therapies, explaining the monotherapy regimes as well combination and sequential therapy regimes. The prognosis of HBV infection varies widely, but it remains a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. | en_US |
