Screening and Prophylaxis to Prevent Hepatitis B Reactivation: Introduction and Immunology

Clin Liver Dis. 2019 Aug;23(3):487-492. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2019.04.009. Epub 2019 Jun 6.

Abstract

Current recommendations concerning hepatitis C virus (HBV) reactivation are limited, with nearly all guidelines focused on its occurrence in patients with hematological malignancies or some solid tumors, who are treated with immunosuppressive therapies. Few of the guidelines address reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppression with organ transplants or treatment with any of the many immunosuppressive agents in use today for the treatment of multiple different diseases, or in patients receiving the direct-acting antivirals used in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). This article covers the immunology of HBV reactivation, mechanisms of viral clearance, and recommendations for screening and prophylaxis.

Keywords: Adaptive; Hepatitis B immunology; Hepatitis B virus; Innate; Prophylaxis; Reactivation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / drug effects
  • Adaptive Immunity / immunology*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / physiopathology
  • Hepatitis B / virology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Primary Prevention
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Virus Activation / immunology*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents