Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infection is the most common liver infection globally, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

People from endemic areas, or injection drug users and those with high-risk sexual behaviors, are at an increased risk for infection.

Most people are asymptomatic, although some will present with complications such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver failure. Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the leading causes of death.

Serologic markers are essential in making the diagnosis and evaluating disease activity, including differentiating between people with acute and chronic infection and chronic asymptomatic carriers.

Goal of treatment is to improve survival and quality of life by preventing disease progression. Current treatments do not completely eradicate the virus. The mainstay of management is antiviral therapy, although some patients also require referral to a liver transplant center.

The most common liver infection globally, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is a DNA virus transmitted by percutaneous and permucosal routes. HBV infection is also a sexually transmitted infection. HBV infection may result in a self-limited disease requiring no treatment, particularly in adult-acquired infection, but it may also result in a chronically infected state with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver failure, particularly if it is acquired perinatally or in early childhood.

BMJ Best Practice podcast: hepatitis B - how to approach diagnosis and management of chronic infection Opens in new window