Author information
- 1Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
- 2Center for AIDS Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Abstract
Purpose of review: The burden of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) remains disproportionately high among people living with HIV (PLWH) despite the advent of HBV vaccination and HBV-active antiretroviral therapy (ART). This review summarizes new insights and evolving issues in HIV-HBV coinfection.
Recent findings: HBV-HIV coinfection is still a leading cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related mortality more than a decade after the approval of tenofovir. While tenofovir-based ART has been shown to improve rates of HBV virologic suppression and halt fibrosis progression, the long-term benefits on the prevention of end-stage liver disease or HCC in HIV-HBV coinfection have yet to be convincingly demonstrated in PLWH. Missed opportunities for HBV vaccination persist despite evidence of ongoing risk for HBV infection in this population.
Summary: Even as we work towards HBV elimination and functional cure, ongoing efforts should focus on optimizing risk stratification as well as uptake of HBV-active antiviral therapy and HBV immunization in this priority population.
