Hepatitis B

The APLAR Recommendations for the Management of Psoriatic Arthritis.

International journal of rheumatic diseases · 2025 · PMID 40725984

OBJECTIVES: Under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), we aimed to develop broad, evidence- and consensus-based guidelines to aid health professionals managing patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the region. METHODS: A working group of 35 members comprising rheumatologists, dermatologists, and patient research partners from 18 APLAR countries was convened. The working group conducted systematic literature reviews to derive the quality of evidence via GRADE methods…

Guideline for the management of hepatitis B and C infection and subsequent liver disease surveillance (where indicated) in people with congenital bleeding disorders: A joint guideline from the British Society of Haematology and the British Viral Hepatitis Group.

British journal of haematology · 2026 · PMID 41431438

This is a new British Society of Haematology (BSH) guideline which focuses on the management of hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) infection affecting people with bleeding disorders (PwBD), including those who cleared the infection many years previously. It is based on the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidance and is a succinct practical guide for haematologists to support joint care with hepatology. It is compatible with the joint international guidance from the European Association for Haem…

Updated recommendations for the management of hepatitis B, C, and E virus infections in patients with haematological malignancies and those undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation: recommendations from the 9th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-9).

The Lancet. Haematology · 2025 · PMID 40306834

Viral hepatitis remains a global health challenge and immune status affects outcomes. In patients with haematological malignancies, including haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients, viral hepatitis can be life-threatening due to the direct effects of the virus or the need to modify or delay chemotherapy. Additionally, haematopoietic stem-cell donors with past or current viral hepatitis infections might transmit the virus to recipients. The growing recognition of hepatitis E virus (HEV), advances in hae…

French guidelines on systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults: Update 2025.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2026 · PMID 41469898

The current French guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis date from 2019 and do not include the most up-to-date interventions. The Psoriasis Research Group of the French Society of Dermatology has developed new guidelines to provide updated decision-making algorithms for the systemic treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The algorithms were created following a thorough review of existing psoriasis treatment guidelines and recent publications on new systemic therapies not included in prev…

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV guidelines on the management of viral hepatitis 2026.

International journal of STD & AIDS · 2026 · PMID 42117446

The 2026 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for the management of viral hepatitis are in line with current evidence and practice within the United Kingdom. We provide evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of viral hepatitis A, B, C and D. Key updates are detailed at the start of the article.

North American clinical practice guidelines for the medical management of hidradenitis suppurativa in special patient populations.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2025 · PMID 39725212

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) affects different patient populations that require unique considerations in their management. However, no HS guidelines for these populations exist. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based consensus recommendations for patients with HS in 7 special patient populations: (i) pregnancy, (ii) breastfeeding, (iii) pediatrics, (iv) malignancy, (v) tuberculosis infection, (vi) hepatitis B or C infection, and (vii) HIV disease. METHODS: Recommendations were developed using the Grading…

Brazilian Society of Rheumatology - 2025 recommendations on vaccination in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases.

Advances in rheumatology (London, England) · 2026 · PMID 41578353

BACKGROUND: Patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) are at increased risk for infections due to both disease-related immune dysregulation and immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the benefits of vaccination, immunization rates in this population remain suboptimal, often due to concerns about safety, efficacy, and their potential for inducing disease flare. Regional-specific guidelines are necessary to address the particular epidemiological issues and aspects of the healthcare systems, especially in co…

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Noncolorectal Cancer Screening and Vaccinations in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Expert Review.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2025 · PMID 39800200

DESCRIPTION: The aim of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update (CPU) is to provide Best Practice Advice statements for gastroenterologists and other healthcare providers who provide care to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The focus is on IBD-specific screenings (excluding colorectal cancer screening, which is discussed separately) and vaccinations. We provide guidance to ensure that patients are up to date with the disease-specific cancer screenings and vaccinat…

AASLD ISDA Practice Guideline on treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2026 · PMID 41186418

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accumulating data related to prevention, surveillance and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) provided the impetus for this updated guideline, using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. METHODS: The guideline was developed in compliance with the National Academy of Medicine standards. The guideline panel developed structured questions following the Population, Intervention Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework. The panel addressed 6 PICO ques…

Blood-Borne Infection Prevention in Combat Sports: Position Statement of the Association of Ringside Physicians.

Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine · 2026 · PMID 40197438

The Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) emphasizes the importance of screening combat sports athletes for blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B, HIV, and hepatitis C, to mitigate transmission risks and ensure participant safety. Although transmission of hepatitis B and C and HIV in combat sports is rare, protecting athletes is of utmost importance. It is the recommendation of the ARP that all fighters participating in combat sports, in which the presence of blood is a common occurrence and is allowed d…

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Risk Stratification and Emerging Surveillance Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Expert Review.

Gastroenterology · 2026 · PMID 42017860

DESCRIPTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in patients with cirrhosis. Although advancements in surgical, locoregional, and systemic therapies have improved outcomes for patients with early-stage HCC, most cases are diagnosed at later stages due to both the limitations of currently recommended surveillance modalities and their underuse, with fewer than 1 in 4 patients with cirrhosis receiving surveillance for this tumor. Current guidelines recommend semiannual surveillanc…

Clinical practice guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance for people at high risk in Australia: summary of recommendations.

The Medical journal of Australia · 2025 · PMID 40976940

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, the sixth most common cause of cancer death in Australia. With shifting aetiologies and a growing at-risk population, consistent routine surveillance recommendations are key to early detection of HCC and improved survival. We developed new evidence-based HCC surveillance guidelines for people at high risk in Australia due to liver disease and/or other risk factors. These guidelines were developed by a working group of expe…

[Chinese expert consensus on clinical practice of chronic hepatitis B functional (clinical) cure].

Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology · 2025 · PMID 41167769

Chronic hepatitis B functional (clinical) cure is currently an important therapeutic endpoint, which significantly reduces the incidence risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. This expert consensus focuses on key clinical issues on the basis of previous studies, systematically elaborates population stratification and stepwise treatment strategies based on patient characteristics, consolidation therapy, relapse management, long-term monitoring after serum HBsAg clearance, and optimal management for patients who have no…

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection.

Journal of hepatology · 2025 · PMID 40348683

The updated EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for its management. Spanning ten thematic sections, the guidelines address diagnostics, treatment goals, treatment indications, therapeutic options, hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, management of special populations, HBV reactivation prophylaxis, post-transplant care, HBV prevention strategies, and finally address open questions and future research directio…

Management of Hepatitis B virus infection in patients on treatment with immunosuppressants or immunomodulators: Position Paper of Associazione Italiana Studio del Fegato (AISF), Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica (AIOM), Gruppo Italiano per il Trapianto di Midollo Osseo (GITMO), Società Italiana di Reumatologia (SIR), Società Italiana Trapianti d'Organo (SITO), Società Italiana di Gastroenterologia (SIGE), Società Italiana di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali (SIMIT).

Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver · 2025 · PMID 41219059

Immunosuppressants and immunomodulators are increasingly used for the treatment of several oncologic and immune-mediated diseases. However, reducing or inhibiting the immune system's activity can interfere with the natural mechanisms responsible for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) control and may potentially induce HBV reactivation (HBVr) in both Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) positive patients (overt infection) and HBsAg negative/anti-Hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) positive carriers. Among factors contributing to the pe…

Recommendations for the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in Spain.

Gastroenterologia y hepatologia · 2026 · PMID 42061813

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV), whose infection depends on the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is associated with one of the chronic viral hepatitis that most rapidly progresses to advanced liver disease, including liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, screening for HBV/HDV infection is key to the early diagnosis of hepatitis D, improving the prognosis of infected individuals through a strategy that has proven to be effective and efficient. This document reviews the epidemiolog…

[Chinese guideline for the chemotherapy of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (2026 edition)].

Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases · 2026 · PMID 42236454

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) pose significant challenges to global tuberculosis prevention and treatment efforts. At present, the chemotherapy of MDR/RR-TB is still hampered by prolonged treatment duration and suboptimal success rates. In 2019, the Chinese Medical Association Tuberculosis Branch issued the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Treatment of MDR-TB and RR-TB, which has provided essential guidance for standardizing the diagnosis, treatment, and clin…

Serum chloride concentrations and outcomes in adult patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC nephrology · 2025 · PMID 41013381

PURPOSE: Electrolyte disturbances, including hyponatremia, are common in cirrhosis, with hyponatremia already incorporated into the MELD-Na score as a prognostic marker. However, the prognostic role of serum chloride, the main extracellular anion, remains underexplored. Emerging evidence suggests hypochloremia is independently associated with increased mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhotic patients. Proposed mechanisms include dysregulated activation of the renin-angiotensin, vasopressin, and sympath…

Evaluating Infections in Solid Organ Donors Before Transplantation: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Transplantation · 2026 · PMID 41805905

BACKGROUND: Donor-derived infection remains a risk in solid organ transplantation. Clinical practice guidelines inform best practices for donor evaluation and acceptance, although they vary across centers and regions. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and consistency of guidelines for the evaluation of infections in solid organ donors and to summarize their recommendations. METHODS: We searched electronic databases and websites of professional organizations for clinical practice guidelines and consensus stat…

Identifying barriers and facilitators to accessing harm reduction services in prisons: A systematic narrative synthesis.

The International journal on drug policy · 2025 · PMID 40517606

BACKGROUND: Drug use is prevalent in carceral settings globally. Although a comprehensive harm reduction package for people in prison (PIP) is recommended by international agencies, its implementation is limited. The aim of this systematic narrative synthesis was to explore barriers and facilitators to accessing harm reduction services (HRS) in prisons. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and CINAHL for English and French language articles published before June 26, 2024. Studies evaluating any HRS defin…

Economic evaluation of hepatitis B screening in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

International journal of clinical pharmacy · 2025 · PMID 40982118

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with intermediate to high endemicity. Screening interventions are essential for reducing infection rates. AIM: To synthesize economic evaluation evidence of hepatitis B (HBV) screening strategies in LMICs. METHOD: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted up to August 08, 2024. All types of economic evaluations comparing HBV screening strategie…

Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation associated with interleukin inhibitor therapies: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMJ open · 2025 · PMID 41213667

INTRODUCTION: The widespread application of interleukin (IL) inhibitors for various conditions, including gastrointestinal, rheumatologic, dermatologic and pulmonary diseases, has raised concerns regarding the potential for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr). However, the precise risk of HBVr remains unclear due to inconsistencies in existing research. This systematic review aims to quantify the risk of HBVr in patients receiving IL inhibitor therapies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This systematic review will follow Pr…

Advances in the management of hepatitis B.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.) · 2025 · PMID 40461178

Hepatitis B virus infection remains a pervasive global health challenge, affecting an estimated 254 million people worldwide. This review summarizes the current landscape of hepatitis B, including its epidemiology and the clinical spectrum of acute and chronic infection. It discusses the interplay between host and virus that underlies the progression from acute hepatitis to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The review further examines current screening practices, diagnostic methods, an…

[Clinical outcomes of small-size grafts in auxiliary liver transplantation for the treatment of portal hypertension].

Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology · 2025 · PMID 41355128

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using small and ultra-small sized grafts for in situ auxiliary liver transplantation in the treatment of portal hypertension. Methods: A prospective single-arm cohort study was conducted. Patients who underwent liver transplantation at Beijing Friendship Hospital from December 2014 to July 2025 were included. Intraoperative portal vein pressure was routinely monitored, with the target regulation for portal vein blood flow set at<15 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and follow…

Recompensation features and prognosis in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients.

European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology · 2025 · PMID 39589830

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of recompensation in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). METHODS: A total of 136 patients with HBV-related ACLF were followed up until the end of the study. Patients were categorized into recompensation and non-recompensation groups based on whether recompensation occurred in the first year. The survival rate and incidence of recompensation were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: According…

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV guidelines on the management of viral hepatitis 2026.

International journal of STD & AIDS · 2026 · PMID 42117446

The 2026 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for the management of viral hepatitis are in line with current evidence and practice within the United Kingdom. We provide evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of viral hepatitis A, B, C and D. Key updates are detailed at the start of the article.

Recommendations for the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in Spain.

Gastroenterologia y hepatologia · 2026 · PMID 42061813

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV), whose infection depends on the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is associated with one of the chronic viral hepatitis that most rapidly progresses to advanced liver disease, including liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, screening for HBV/HDV infection is key to the early diagnosis of hepatitis D, improving the prognosis of infected individuals through a strategy that has proven to be effective and efficient. This document reviews the epidemiolog…

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host genes as prognostic molecular biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

Cancer medicine · 2024 · PMID 38634194

BACKGROUND: Recently, increasing data have suggested that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) were aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the association between the prognosis of HCC and their expression remained unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic significance of lncRNA SNHGs in HCC. METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for eligible articles published up to February 2024. The prognostic sig…

Switching to besifovir in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: A randomized trial.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2025 · PMID 39828249

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Besifovir (BSV) showed comparable antiviral activity and superior safety profiles to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, no data are available regarding the antiviral efficacy and safety of BSV in patients with CHB who switched from long-term TDF to BSV. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of a 48-week BSV therapy in patients with CHB who switched from long-term TDF treatment. METHODS: In this non-inferiority trial, 153 CHB patients treate…

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in asymptomatic blood donors in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England) · 2026 · PMID 42538138

Viral hepatitis remains a serious risk to transfusion safety, despite being considerably reduced by donor screening. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among asymptomatic blood donors in Saudi Arabia in the past 15 years (2010-2025). A literature search has been conducted on seven databases. Prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled via a random effects model. Twelve studies, examining 597 820 blood donors, were included in this study. The over…

Malaria Coinfections Worldwide: An Umbrella Systematic Review of Prevalence and Epidemiological Patterns.

Tropical medicine and infectious disease · 2026 · PMID 42506776

Malaria coinfections with other infectious agents represent a clinically relevant epidemiological challenge, but evidence remains fragmented across individual systematic reviews. This umbrella systematic review synthesized review-level evidence on the prevalence and epidemiological patterns of concurrent malaria coinfections in human populations. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS/BVS were searched for systematic reviews published from 1 January 2000 to March 2026. Risk of bias, certainty of…

Efficacy and Safety of Pegylated Interferon as Rescue Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Who Failed to Achieve Functional Cure After Antisense Oligonucleotides or Small Interfering RNA: A Prospective, Multicentre, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial (SPHERE) Protocol.

Advances in therapy · 2026 · PMID 42176181

INTRODUCTION: Although novel targeted therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) can rapidly reduce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), only a subset of patients can achieve HBsAg seroclearance, and recurrence is common after discontinuation. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequencing pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) as rescue therapy for patients who have not achieved functional cure after initial therapy with ASO or siRNA. METHODS: This is a pr…

Predicting Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Major Liver Resection: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Annals of surgical oncology · 2026 · PMID 42045725

BACKGROUND: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, reliable predictive models for PHLF in patients undergoing major hepatectomy remain limited. This study aimed to predict PHLF using clinical factors and to evaluate its impact on short- and long-term outcomes for patients with HCC undergoing major liver resection. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included 1037 patients undergoing liver resection exceeding sectio…

Lack of association between rifaximin and drug-resistant infections: a global multicenter inpatient cirrhosis cohort.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42120075

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infections with drug-resistant organisms (DROs) are associated with poor outcomes in cirrhosis. Rifaximin, widely used for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), could promote cross-resistance, but data regarding clinical impact are conflicting. Aim: Determine predictors of DROs in a global cirrhosis inpatient cohort focusing on preadmission rifaximin use. METHODS: From the global CLEARED consortium, we focused on cirrhosis inpatients with infections on/during admission. Clinical/demographic/medication, espe…

Impact of a multilevel hospital intervention on hepatitis screening and risk management in neuroinflammatory patients receiving immune therapy.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi · 2026 · PMID 42521550

BACKGROUND: Patients with neuroinflammatory disorders receiving immune therapy are at risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation, particularly in endemic regions. However, adherence to recommended hepatitis screening prior to immune therapy remains inconsistent in neurological practice. This study evaluated whether a hospital-based intervention could improve hepatitis screening and risk management in this population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective-prospective cohort study in the…

Improved appropriateness of electronic consultations in primary care with ongoing liver disease education.

Journal of telemedicine and telecare · 2026 · PMID 41359013

IntroductionThis study evaluates the short-term impact of two educational strategies on the appropriateness of electronic consultations (e-consults) submitted by primary care physicians (PCPs) to hepatologists for chronic liver disease (CLD) management. We compared a synchronous education program delivered in-person and online by hepatologists with an asynchronous approach based on e-consult feedback.MethodsWe conducted a 24-month prospective observational cohort study, analyzing e-consults related to the most prev…

Monitoring of the Cascade of Care in Patients With Chronic HBV in Primary Care Clinics in Australia.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 42402793

To achieve hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination in Australia, a shift from hospital to community-based care is needed. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of chronic HBV and uptake of the cascade of care in primary care patients. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 76 urban and regional primary care clinics across Victoria, Australia between 1/7/2020 and 30/6/2023. Anonymised socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data from general practice (GP) clinics' electronic medical records (EMR) were e…

Dual susceptibility to hepatitis A and B among people newly diagnosed with HIV in Taiwan during the vaccination era: a multicenter study.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · 2026 · PMID 42537780

OBJECTIVES: Taiwan's universal infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination (1984-1986) and sanitation-driven loss of childhood hepatitis A virus (HAV) exposure have reshaped hepatitis immunity. During a 2025-2026 hepatitis A resurgence, joint susceptibility to vaccine-preventable hepatitis among people with HIV (PWH), and HBV serology of those starting tenofovir-sparing antiretroviral therapy (ART), remain undescribed. METHODS: We categorized 1,202 adults newly diagnosed with HIV at six hospitals in Taiwan during 20…

Prevalence of renal and bone risk factors and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment among patients with chronic hepatitis B in the United States.

Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy · 2026 · PMID 42424106

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can lead to serious health complications. Patients with CHB often have a higher burden of extrahepatic comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (OP) compared with the general population. Understanding the burden of these comorbidities in those with CHB may facilitate the development of strategies to better support patients and guide treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate demographic characteristics and prevalence of CKD, OP, and establ…

Comprehensive tuberculosis screening and preventive treatment in schools and congregate settings of India (2017-2024): a prospective study.

The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia · 2026 · PMID 41705172

BACKGROUND: Existing Tuberculosis (TB) elimination strategies show limited impact, with suboptimal uptake of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) and increasing TB incidence after the COVID-19 pandemic. Real-world evidence on reduction of tuberculosis in high-burden communities is needed to inform future TB elimination strategies. METHODS: Since 2017, a comprehensive TB screening and TPT program known as Zero TB in Kids (ZTBK) was implemented in congregate settings of Tibetan communities in India. TB disease, TB…

Two Diagnostic Challenges in Hepatitis B Serology: Low HBsAg S/CO Values and Isolated Anti-HBc Positivity.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026 · PMID 42515104

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) values and isolated anti-HBc positivity represent two significant diagnostic challenges in hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. This retrospective study, conducted in Karabuk between 2021 and 2025, aimed to evaluate the correlation between these profiles and HBV DNA positivity to determine the optimal S/CO thresholds for confirmatory testing and clarify the clinical relevance of isolated anti-HBc reactivity. Among 17,356 patients screened for anti-HBc, isolat…

Trends in Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV Seroprevalence in the Netherlands: Insights From Two Decades of Nationwide PIENTER Serosurveys.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 42464068

Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV remain public health challenges despite effective treatments and preventive options. Infections are often asymptomatic, leading to undiagnosed cases, onward transmission, and preventable morbidity and mortality. In the Netherlands, disease burden is concentrated in specific populations, with many undetected infections. We estimated HBV, HCV, and HIV seroprevalence, identified determinants, and assessed trends over 20 years using data from 14,444 participants aged 15-79 …

GAFAD: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based model for early hepatocellular carcinoma detection beyond GALAD's limitations.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41740588

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The GALAD (Gender, Age, Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein [AFP-L3], alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin) score, widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection, was primarily derived from cohorts with advanced-stage tumors and elevated biomarker levels, potentially overestimating accuracy in early-stage disease. Furthermore, the lectin-based AFP-L3 assay has poor sensitivity at low AFP concentrations, limiting detection of small or AFP-negative tumors.…

EVOLVE-HBV: A cross-sectional study of HBV sero-epidemiology in a rural population in South Africa.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · 2026 · PMID 42492834

OBJECTIVES: The 'EVoLVE' study set out to investigate the population prevalence of HBV infection, immunity and treatment eligibility in a rural South African setting. METHODS: We tested plasma samples from 2200 participants in a population-based study in KwaZulu-Natal, of whom 50% were living with HIV, for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV core antibody (anti-HBc), and HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs). For samples testing HBsAg-positive, we quantified alanine transferase (ALT) and HBV DNA viral load. We evaluated dem…

High Rates of Advanced Chronic Liver Disease in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis D Virus Infection in Uzbekistan.

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · 2026 · PMID 42464408

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in Uzbekistan. Previous data showed a high prevalence of anti-hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies in HBsAg-positive individuals. Limited data are available on disease severity, treatment availability and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prevalence in patients with chronic HDV infection in Uzbekistan. METHODS: The Scientific Research Institute of Virology (SRIoV) is the leading medical and scientific reference centre for viral hepatitis in Uzbeki…

Diagnosis of Small Focal Liver Lesions (≤2 cm): A Deep Learning Approach Based on B-Mode Ultrasound and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

Ultrasound in medicine & biology · 2026 · PMID 42350195

BACKGROUND: To develop and validate a deep learning (DL) model based on feature fusion with B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images for non-invasive diagnosis of benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs), especially for small FLLs (≤2.0 cm). METHODS: A retrospective dataset of 687 patients who were diagnosed with FLLs by BMUS and underwent CEUS between September 2016 and March 2020 was collected in this study. The dataset was divided into a training set (80%) and a test set (20…

Screening for infectious diseases and vaccination status in Ukrainian paediatric refugees: a retrospective cohort study.

European journal of pediatrics · 2026 · PMID 42489737

Paediatric refugees face heightened health risks. At the same time, lack of real-world data hampers the development of evidence-based guidelines for their health care providers. The aim of the study was to assess health-care data and guideline adherence regarding paediatric Ukrainian refugees. Demographic and health-related data were collected from paediatric Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Switzerland between 24 February and 31 October 2022. Data was obtained from five participating centres. Information on infec…

Factors Associated With Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Clearance in a Spanish Cohort of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Influence on the Long-Term Prognosis.

Journal of medical virology · 2026 · PMID 42485500

The objective is to identify factors that contribute to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in an unselected, long-term follow-up hepatitis B open cohort in southern Spain. A prospective open cohort study of 453 patients with CHB infection was recruited in the Liver Unit of the Internal Department of two hospitals in Málaga (Spain) between 1991 and 2022 to assess the incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance during follow-up, identify f…

Absence of Detectable Anti-HDV Antibodies Among HBsAg-Positive Blood Donors, HIV-Infected Individuals and Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B in Sao Paulo, Brazil: Evaluation Using a Rapid Lateral Flow Assay.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 42521406

Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infection in HBV-infected individuals is associated with severe clinical outcomes, and screening is recommended in HBsAg-positive patients. We used a rapid lateral flow assay (LFA) to assess anti-HDV antibodies in Brazil, where HDV is highly endemic in the North, while data from the Southeast, particularly São Paulo, remain limited. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to assess anti-HDV antibodies among 46 HBsAg-positive blood donors at Fundação Pró-Sangue/Hemocentro de Sã…

The relationship between mutations in reverse transcriptase region of hepatitis B virus and progression of liver disease.

Virus genes · 2026 · PMID 42518075

The specific objective of this study was to investigate mutations of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) region in Chinese HBV-infected patients at different stages and their association with the progression of liver disease. HBV RT regions in serum samples were amplified and sequenced from 384 patients with chronic HBV infection, including 100 asymptomatic carriers (ASC), 101 chronic hepatitis B, 96 liver cirrhosis, and 87 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further analysis of genotyping and AA substit…

Guideline for the management of hepatitis B and C infection and subsequent liver disease surveillance (where indicated) in people with congenital bleeding disorders: A joint guideline from the British Society of Haematology and the British Viral Hepatitis Group.

British journal of haematology · 2026 · PMID 41431438

This is a new British Society of Haematology (BSH) guideline which focuses on the management of hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) infection affecting people with bleeding disorders (PwBD), including those who cleared the infection many years previously. It is based on the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidance and is a succinct practical guide for haematologists to support joint care with hepatology. It is compatible with the joint international guidance from the European Association for Haem…

French guidelines on systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults: Update 2025.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2026 · PMID 41469898

The current French guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis date from 2019 and do not include the most up-to-date interventions. The Psoriasis Research Group of the French Society of Dermatology has developed new guidelines to provide updated decision-making algorithms for the systemic treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The algorithms were created following a thorough review of existing psoriasis treatment guidelines and recent publications on new systemic therapies not included in prev…

[Chinese guideline for the chemotherapy of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (2026 edition)].

Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases · 2026 · PMID 42236454

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) pose significant challenges to global tuberculosis prevention and treatment efforts. At present, the chemotherapy of MDR/RR-TB is still hampered by prolonged treatment duration and suboptimal success rates. In 2019, the Chinese Medical Association Tuberculosis Branch issued the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Treatment of MDR-TB and RR-TB, which has provided essential guidance for standardizing the diagnosis, treatment, and clin…

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV guidelines on the management of viral hepatitis 2026.

International journal of STD & AIDS · 2026 · PMID 42117446

The 2026 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for the management of viral hepatitis are in line with current evidence and practice within the United Kingdom. We provide evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of viral hepatitis A, B, C and D. Key updates are detailed at the start of the article.

Recommendations for the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in Spain.

Gastroenterologia y hepatologia · 2026 · PMID 42061813

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV), whose infection depends on the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is associated with one of the chronic viral hepatitis that most rapidly progresses to advanced liver disease, including liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, screening for HBV/HDV infection is key to the early diagnosis of hepatitis D, improving the prognosis of infected individuals through a strategy that has proven to be effective and efficient. This document reviews the epidemiolog…

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Risk Stratification and Emerging Surveillance Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Expert Review.

Gastroenterology · 2026 · PMID 42017860

DESCRIPTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in patients with cirrhosis. Although advancements in surgical, locoregional, and systemic therapies have improved outcomes for patients with early-stage HCC, most cases are diagnosed at later stages due to both the limitations of currently recommended surveillance modalities and their underuse, with fewer than 1 in 4 patients with cirrhosis receiving surveillance for this tumor. Current guidelines recommend semiannual surveillanc…

An umbrella review navigating the nationwide burden of hepatitis B virus infection in Ethiopia: A call for action on vaccination, safe blood, and infection prevention.

PloS one · 2026 · PMID 42330006

BACKGROUND: The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of viral hepatitis that may persist and lead to complications, including cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and liver cancer. Numerous systematic reviews and meta-analysis have been conducted on HBV infection among people in Ethiopia, showing inconsistent findings. This umbrella review aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of HBV infection and its associated factors among people in Ethiopia. METHODS: All published and unpublished systematic review a…

AASLD ISDA Practice Guideline on treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2026 · PMID 41186418

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accumulating data related to prevention, surveillance and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) provided the impetus for this updated guideline, using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. METHODS: The guideline was developed in compliance with the National Academy of Medicine standards. The guideline panel developed structured questions following the Population, Intervention Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework. The panel addressed 6 PICO ques…

Seroprevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and D Viruses in Mauritania: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of epidemiology and global health · 2026 · PMID 41996018

Mauritania has a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), posing a major public health burden. A comprehensive analysis of seroprevalence, transmission dynamics, and molecular epidemiology would help inform strategies for public health interventions. This study systematically reviews the published literature in the field between 1983 and 2024, employing PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Where insufficient data were available for meta-analyses on specific inquiries, summative description…

The incidence of spontaneous HBsAg loss in patients with different baseline HBsAg levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hepatology international · 2026 · PMID 41686332

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is an ideal treatment end point in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), linked to improved clinical outcomes. Baseline HBsAg level is a key predictor, but pooled evidence on the annual incidence of spontaneous HBsAg clearance in untreated CHB patients, stratified by baseline HBsAg levels, is lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify this incidence. METHODS: Six databases were searched for cohort studies and randomized trials …

Efficacy and safety of clipping prior to cyanoacrylate embolization in gastric varices: a single-arm systematic review and meta-analysis.

Surgical endoscopy · 2026 · PMID 42377512

BACKGROUND: Gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Cyanoacrylate injection is the standard endoscopic treatment that carries a significant risk of ectopic embolization, particularly in patients with gastrorenal shunts. Adding endoscopic clips before injection may enhance safety and efficacy, yet evidence remains limited. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of clip-assisted cyanoacrylate injection (clip-ECI). METHODOLOGY: A systematic search was conducted o…

Clinicopathological significance of Gli1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

Scientific reports · 2026 · PMID 41968128

This meta-analysis assessed the clinicopathological significance of GLI1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wan Fang, and CNKI for studies through October 2025. Studies assessing GLI1 by immunohistochemistry in HCC tissue and reporting its clinicopathological correlations were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Publication bia…

Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Recompensation in Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2026 · PMID 40848912

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The prevalence and clinical outcomes of recompensation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis remain unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical outcomes among decompensated patients who achieve recompensation. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE from inception until July 15, 2025. We included studies reporting on decompensated cirrhosis patients achieving recompensation to evaluate the clinical outcomes, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), death, liver…

First-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials with overall and HBV/HCV-stratified efficacy and safety.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42220514

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the front-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the comparative efficacy and safety of different ICI-based regimens-and their consistency across etiologic subgroups [HBV, HCV, and non-HBV/non-HCV (NBNC)]-remain uncertain. This study conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the first-line immunotherapy strategies both overall and by viral etiology. METHODS…

Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Chronic Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Journal of medical Internet research · 2026 · PMID 42263266

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases account for most global morbidity and mortality, increasing the need for effective long-term self-care support. Digital health interventions, such as mobile apps, telemonitoring, and connected devices, are increasingly used to promote self-care; yet, their overall effectiveness across chronic conditions remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether digital health interventions improve self-care in adults with chronic diseases. METHODS: We searche…

Viral hepatitis co-infections with tuberculosis in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Indian journal of medical research · 2026 · PMID 42295712

Background and objectives Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) co-infection is a significant threat in low-and middle-income countries like India. To optimise treatment protocols and prevent liver-related complications, it is essential to estimate the burden of these co-infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infection with tuberculosis in India. Methods In line with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed,…

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host genes as prognostic molecular biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

Cancer medicine · 2024 · PMID 38634194

BACKGROUND: Recently, increasing data have suggested that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) were aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the association between the prognosis of HCC and their expression remained unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic significance of lncRNA SNHGs in HCC. METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for eligible articles published up to February 2024. The prognostic sig…

Prevalence and risk factors for key infectious diseases amongst migrants to the UK: a systematic review.

BMC infectious diseases · 2026 · PMID 41776448

BACKGROUND: Migrants are at increased risk of infections including HIV, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis, with poorer outcomes. Early diagnosis and management can reduce morbidity, mortality and onward transmission. This systematic review summarises prevalence of HIV, latent and active tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C among UK migrants and evaluates associated risk factors. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from 2004 to 11 June 2025. The review w…

TNF-α Inhibitors and HBV Reactivation Risk in HBsAg-/Anti-HBc+ Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · 2026 · PMID 41623121

BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are integral in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases but may precipitate hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ patients. APASL guidance presumes a greater risk with higher-potency agents, but the evidence is limited and conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether TNF-α inhibitor potency alters HBVr risk in HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ individuals and to identify predictors. METHODS: PubMed, Embase…

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Risk With IL-17, IL-23/IL-12, or JAK Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · 2026 · PMID 42287020

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to determine the incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in patients with chronic or occult HBV infection who were treated with IL-12/23, IL-23 (together referred to as anti-IL-23/12), IL-17, or JAK inhibitors without antiviral prophylaxis. In addition, we sought to assess whether the risk of HBVr varies according to anti-HBs status among individuals who are anti-HBc positive. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA and…

Strategies, interventions, and uptake of catch-up vaccination among adolescent and adult migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): A systematic review.

Vaccine · 2026 · PMID 41564840

BACKGROUND: Catch-up vaccination helps close immunity gaps among migrants, refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite immunisation life-course policies and global guidelines promoting catch-up vaccination of arriving migrants, vaccination strategies for adolescent and adult populations are poorly described. We synthesised evidence on catch-up vaccination strategies and interventions, delivery platforms, uptake and coverage, and contextual barriers and enable…

Transmission Risk of Intentional Transplantation of Kidneys From Donors With Active Hepatitis B to Recipients Without Active Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Transplantation · 2026 · PMID 41427832

BACKGROUND: Potential kidney donors with active hepatitis B virus (HBV: positive hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and/or nucleic acid test [NAT]) are usually declined for HBsAg-negative recipients. Safety may be improved by recipient vaccination and/or antivirals, thereby increasing transplantation opportunities. We quantified HBV transmission risk in this setting to inform donation decisions. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis (MEDLINE, to November 2024) of cohorts comprised of kidney donors with acti…

Evaluating Infections in Solid Organ Donors Before Transplantation: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Transplantation · 2026 · PMID 41805905

BACKGROUND: Donor-derived infection remains a risk in solid organ transplantation. Clinical practice guidelines inform best practices for donor evaluation and acceptance, although they vary across centers and regions. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and consistency of guidelines for the evaluation of infections in solid organ donors and to summarize their recommendations. METHODS: We searched electronic databases and websites of professional organizations for clinical practice guidelines and consensus stat…

Global coverage of interventions for reduction of injecting drug use-related harm, HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis in prisons and other carceral settings: A systematic review.

The International journal on drug policy · 2026 · PMID 41651702

BACKGROUND: People who are incarcerated experience disproportionately high rates of injecting drug use and infectious disease, including HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis. However, comprehensive global data regarding the availability of services that prevent and manage infectious disease, injecting drug use and related harms remain limited and outdated. We provide the first systematic review to comprehensively examine the availability and coverage of infectious disease prevention, treatment, and harm reduction …

The global epidemiology of injecting drug use, HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis among people who are incarcerated: a multistage systematic review.

The International journal on drug policy · 2026 · PMID 41651703

BACKGROUND: This global systematic review assesses the prevalence of injecting drug use (IDU) and key infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis C virus [HCV], tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus [HBV]) among people who are incarcerated. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO), internet, and grey literature databases, from January 2000 through 2nd June 2025 and engaged international experts and relevant agencies liaising with key agencies focused on incarcerated populations (W…

Histological severity, clinical outcomes and impact of antiviral treatment in indeterminate phase of chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of hepatology · 2025 · PMID 39577468

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Current international guidelines recommend close monitoring and evaluation of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the indeterminate phase, and treatment of patients at high risk of adverse outcomes. Clinical outcomes and the effect of antiviral therapy on the indeterminate phase remain unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the incidence of adverse clinical outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cirrhosis, and hepatic decompensation, and the effect…

Recommendations for the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in Spain.

Gastroenterologia y hepatologia · 2026 · PMID 42061813

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV), whose infection depends on the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is associated with one of the chronic viral hepatitis that most rapidly progresses to advanced liver disease, including liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, screening for HBV/HDV infection is key to the early diagnosis of hepatitis D, improving the prognosis of infected individuals through a strategy that has proven to be effective and efficient. This document reviews the epidemiolog…

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection.

Journal of hepatology · 2025 · PMID 40348683

The updated EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for its management. Spanning ten thematic sections, the guidelines address diagnostics, treatment goals, treatment indications, therapeutic options, hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, management of special populations, HBV reactivation prophylaxis, post-transplant care, HBV prevention strategies, and finally address open questions and future research directio…

Significant histologic alterations in untreated chronic hepatitis B children: a meta-analysis.

BMC infectious diseases · 2025 · PMID 41233830

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in children poses a significant public health challenge, yet data on the prevalence of significant liver lesions in this group are limited. METHODS: A comprehensive meta-analysis pooled data on the proportion of significant liver lesions among CHB children. Using the double arcsine transformation and a random-effects model, we combined data on moderate to severe liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted to explore heteroge…

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host genes as prognostic molecular biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

Cancer medicine · 2024 · PMID 38634194

BACKGROUND: Recently, increasing data have suggested that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) were aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the association between the prognosis of HCC and their expression remained unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic significance of lncRNA SNHGs in HCC. METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for eligible articles published up to February 2024. The prognostic sig…

Impact of fatty liver on long-term outcomes in chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and matched analysis of individual patient data meta-analysis.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2023 · PMID 37157776

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and fatty liver (FL) often co-exist, but natural history data of this dual condition (CHB-FL) are sparse. Via a systematic review, conventional meta-analysis (MA) and individual patient-level data MA (IPDMA), we compared liver-related outcomes and mortality between CHB-FL and CHB-no FL patients. METHODS: We searched 4 databases from inception to December 2021 and pooled study-level estimates using a random- effects model for conventional MA. For IPDMA, we evaluated outcome…

Association between hepatitis B virus infection and colorectal liver metastasis: a meta-analysis.

Bioengineered · 2021 · PMID 33629626

The paper aims to assess the association between Hepatitis B Virus infection and colorectal liver metastasis by conducting a meta-analysis. The relevant studies were searched until 24 July 2020, Studies that assessed the correlation between HBV infection and CRLM were recruited. A random effects model was applied to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). All data analyses were performed by STATA 12.0 software. Ten studies involving 17529 participants were included in the study. The results…

Role of hepatitis B core-related antigen in predicting the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology · 2024 · PMID 38686439

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the predictive value of hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) on the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to April 6, 2023. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the occurrence and recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Of the 464 articles c…

Tenofovir Alafenamide Versus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for Preventing Vertical Transmission in Chronic Hepatitis B Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America · 2024 · PMID 38805690

OBJECTIVE: International guidelines recommend maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy accompanied by infant immunoprophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in highly viremic mothers. However, pooled analyses for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) effects and comparisons between the 2 regimens are lacking. DESIGN: In this meta-analysis, pairs of independent reviewers performed multiple database searches from inception to 31 March 2024 and extracted data from cohort stud…

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibition: systematic review with meta-analysis.

Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology · 2023 · PMID 35767193

PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been explored as first-line treatment in various types of previously untreatable malignancies, while limited evidence is available on the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients undergoing immunotherapy. We systematically reviewed data concerning challenges of hepatic adverse events including HBV reactivation and hepatitis in patients with chronic HBV infection undergoing immunotherapy. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, web of science,…

Systematic review with network meta-analysis: sustained hepatitis B surface antigen clearance after pegylated interferon cessation.

European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology · 2024 · PMID 39083054

The efficacy of different pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) treatment strategies for achieving sustained hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains controversial. This study assesses the efficacy of different PEG-IFN treatment regimens and factors influencing sustained HBsAg clearance after PEG-IFN discontinuation. PubMed , Embase , Web of Science , and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 2023, regarding PEG-IFN therapy in CHB. Methodological qual…

Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy: A systematic review.

Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica · 2024 · PMID 37533304

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor and typically develops in the context of chronic liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Ultrasound evaluation, CT scan, and MRI are used to detect HCC. α-fetoprotein (AFP) is a common marker used to detect HCC in the non-pregnant population, which notoriously increases in pregnant women in relation to gestational age. Treatment is driven by the extent of the disease and the severit…

Meta-analysis: hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving biological therapy.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2022 · PMID 35975904

BACKGROUND: The use of biologics poses a moderate to high risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in chronic carriers. AIM: To determine the prevalence of HBVr with TNF alpha inhibitors, ustekinumab and vedolizumab METHOD: We followed the MOOSE guidelines and conducted a comprehensive literature search. We conducted a systematic search of EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid) and PubMed. The studies included patients who were chronic and occult HBV carriers with various rheumatological, dermatological or gastroenter…

Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update.

Hepatology international · 2016 · PMID 26563120

Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 …

Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports · 2018 · PMID 29939980

HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) IS TRANSMITTED VIA BLOOD OR SEXUAL CONTACT. PERSONS WITH CHRONIC HBV INFECTION ARE AT INCREASED RISK FOR CIRRHOSIS AND LIVER CANCER AND REQUIRE MEDICAL CARE. THIS REPORT UPDATES AND SUMMARIZES PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES (ACIP) AND CDC REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF HBV INFECTION IN THE UNITED STATES. ACIP RECOMMENDS TESTING ALL PREGNANT WOMEN FOR HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN (HBSAG), AND TESTING HBSAG-POSITIVE PREGNANT WOMEN FOR HEP…

EASL 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection.

Journal of hepatology · 2017 · PMID 28427875

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public health problem with changing epidemiology due to several factors including vaccination policies and migration. This Clinical Practice Guideline presents updated recommendations for the optimal management of HBV infection. Chronic HBV infection can be classified into five phases: (I) HBeAg-positive chronic infection, (II) HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis, (III) HBeAg-negative chronic infection, (IV) HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis and (V) HBsAg-negative phas…

Association between hepatitis B virus and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Annals of hepatology · 2017 · PMID 28051791

UNLABELLED: Background. Hepatitis B virus infection and chronic kidney disease are prevalent and remain a major public health problem worldwide. It remains unclear how infection with hepatitis B virus impacts on the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. AIM: To evaluate the effect of infection with HBV on the risk of chronic kidney disease in the general population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the published medical literature to determine if hepatitis B infection is as…

Hepatitis B in Heart Transplant Donors and Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The Journal of surgical research · 2023 · PMID 36914999

INTRODUCTION: Expanding the heart donor pool to include patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) could help ameliorate the organ shortage in heart transplantation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the management and recipient outcomes of D+/R- and D-/R+ heart transplants. METHODS: An electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies published on heart transplants involving HBV+ donors and/or HBV+ recipients. A comparison was performed between two groups where heart transpla…

Global prevalence of occult hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2022 · PMID 35253969

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) in the global population. We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane and Web of Science from database inception through 27 Dec, 2018. Studies reporting HBV-DNA serological data in previously undiagnosed hepatitis B patients were included. The data were further categorized according to the presence of risk factors. After an initial screening of 2,325 records, we finally included 98 articles…

Lamivudine and Entecavir for Acute Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Viruses · 2023 · PMID 38005918

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatitis B infection is associated with severe liver disease and chronic sequelae in some cases. The purpose of this review was to determine the efficacy of nucleoside analogues (NA) (lamivudine versus entecavir) compared to placebo or no intervention for treating acute primary HBV infection. METHODS: A meta-analysis for drug intervention was performed, following a fixed-effect model. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized studies that evaluated the outcomes of NA in acute hepat…

Co-managing the double burden: strategies for simultaneously tackling infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Infectious diseases of poverty · 2026 · PMID 42538553

BACKGROUND: Evidence increasingly shows close, bidirectional links between infectious diseases (IDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, research, health policy, and prevention practices still largely address them in separate frameworks. This scoping review summarises the current evidence on the interconnections between IDs and NCDs and explores integrated strategies for their prevention and management. METHODS: This scoping review systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for English-la…

The natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2009 · PMID 19399792

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a complicated course. Three phases are identified: an immune tolerant phase with high HBV DNA and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels associated with minimal liver disease; an immune active phase with high HBV DNA and elevated ALT levels with active liver inflammation; and an inactive phase with HBV DNA levels < 2000 IU/mL and normal ALT levels with minimal inflammation and fibrosis on liver biopsy. Affected persons can move progressively from one phase to the …

Efficacy of antiviral therapy in adults with chronic hepatitis B according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41839198

BACKGROUND: In the 2015 WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), antiviral therapy was recommended for individuals with cirrhosis and individuals without cirrhosis with persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA >20 000 IU/mL, whereas treatment was deferred for individuals with persistently normal ALT concentrations and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL. To inform 2024 WHO guidelines on CHB and the potential expansion of treatment threshold recommendations, we conduct…

Hepatitis B virus DNA levels and outcomes in chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2009 · PMID 19399801

Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels can fluctuate markedly during the course of chronic HBV infection. Both case-control and cohort studies have shown a significant, dose-response association between serum HBV DNA levels measured at the time of initial evaluation and the subsequent risk of cirrhosis. A similar direct relationship has been shown for the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Interventional studies have shown a strong correlation between the …

Functional cure with new antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hepatology international · 2025 · PMID 40528088

BACKGROUND: Achieving a "functional" cure for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is primary goal for novel antiviral treatments. We sought to evaluate efficacy and safety of these novel treatments and identified emerging barriers to achieving a functional cure. APPROACH: We systematically reviewed clinical trials from 2018 to 2023, identifying 244 trials from clinicaltrials.gov records on HBV. The primary outcome was functional cure rate at the end of follow-up (EOF). Secondary outcomes included changes in HBsAg levels, HBs…

[Chinese guideline for the chemotherapy of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (2026 edition)].

Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases · 2026 · PMID 42236454

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) pose significant challenges to global tuberculosis prevention and treatment efforts. At present, the chemotherapy of MDR/RR-TB is still hampered by prolonged treatment duration and suboptimal success rates. In 2019, the Chinese Medical Association Tuberculosis Branch issued the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Treatment of MDR-TB and RR-TB, which has provided essential guidance for standardizing the diagnosis, treatment, and clin…

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Risk Stratification and Emerging Surveillance Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Expert Review.

Gastroenterology · 2026 · PMID 42017860

DESCRIPTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in patients with cirrhosis. Although advancements in surgical, locoregional, and systemic therapies have improved outcomes for patients with early-stage HCC, most cases are diagnosed at later stages due to both the limitations of currently recommended surveillance modalities and their underuse, with fewer than 1 in 4 patients with cirrhosis receiving surveillance for this tumor. Current guidelines recommend semiannual surveillanc…

French guidelines on systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults: Update 2025.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2026 · PMID 41469898

The current French guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis date from 2019 and do not include the most up-to-date interventions. The Psoriasis Research Group of the French Society of Dermatology has developed new guidelines to provide updated decision-making algorithms for the systemic treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The algorithms were created following a thorough review of existing psoriasis treatment guidelines and recent publications on new systemic therapies not included in prev…

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV guidelines on the management of viral hepatitis 2026.

International journal of STD & AIDS · 2026 · PMID 42117446

The 2026 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for the management of viral hepatitis are in line with current evidence and practice within the United Kingdom. We provide evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of viral hepatitis A, B, C and D. Key updates are detailed at the start of the article.

The incidence of spontaneous HBsAg loss in patients with different baseline HBsAg levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hepatology international · 2026 · PMID 41686332

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is an ideal treatment end point in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), linked to improved clinical outcomes. Baseline HBsAg level is a key predictor, but pooled evidence on the annual incidence of spontaneous HBsAg clearance in untreated CHB patients, stratified by baseline HBsAg levels, is lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify this incidence. METHODS: Six databases were searched for cohort studies and randomized trials …

Efficacy and safety of clipping prior to cyanoacrylate embolization in gastric varices: a single-arm systematic review and meta-analysis.

Surgical endoscopy · 2026 · PMID 42377512

BACKGROUND: Gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Cyanoacrylate injection is the standard endoscopic treatment that carries a significant risk of ectopic embolization, particularly in patients with gastrorenal shunts. Adding endoscopic clips before injection may enhance safety and efficacy, yet evidence remains limited. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of clip-assisted cyanoacrylate injection (clip-ECI). METHODOLOGY: A systematic search was conducted o…

First-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials with overall and HBV/HCV-stratified efficacy and safety.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42220514

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the front-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the comparative efficacy and safety of different ICI-based regimens-and their consistency across etiologic subgroups [HBV, HCV, and non-HBV/non-HCV (NBNC)]-remain uncertain. This study conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the first-line immunotherapy strategies both overall and by viral etiology. METHODS…

Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Chronic Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Journal of medical Internet research · 2026 · PMID 42263266

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases account for most global morbidity and mortality, increasing the need for effective long-term self-care support. Digital health interventions, such as mobile apps, telemonitoring, and connected devices, are increasingly used to promote self-care; yet, their overall effectiveness across chronic conditions remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether digital health interventions improve self-care in adults with chronic diseases. METHODS: We searche…

Viral hepatitis co-infections with tuberculosis in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Indian journal of medical research · 2026 · PMID 42295712

Background and objectives Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) co-infection is a significant threat in low-and middle-income countries like India. To optimise treatment protocols and prevent liver-related complications, it is essential to estimate the burden of these co-infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infection with tuberculosis in India. Methods In line with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed,…

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Risk With IL-17, IL-23/IL-12, or JAK Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · 2026 · PMID 42287020

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to determine the incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in patients with chronic or occult HBV infection who were treated with IL-12/23, IL-23 (together referred to as anti-IL-23/12), IL-17, or JAK inhibitors without antiviral prophylaxis. In addition, we sought to assess whether the risk of HBVr varies according to anti-HBs status among individuals who are anti-HBc positive. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA and…

Global coverage of interventions for reduction of injecting drug use-related harm, HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis in prisons and other carceral settings: A systematic review.

The International journal on drug policy · 2026 · PMID 41651702

BACKGROUND: People who are incarcerated experience disproportionately high rates of injecting drug use and infectious disease, including HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis. However, comprehensive global data regarding the availability of services that prevent and manage infectious disease, injecting drug use and related harms remain limited and outdated. We provide the first systematic review to comprehensively examine the availability and coverage of infectious disease prevention, treatment, and harm reduction …

Comparative efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based regimens versus tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma stratified by etiology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

International journal of clinical oncology · 2026 · PMID 41701457

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with limited treatment success in advanced stages. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as sorafenib and lenvatinib, are the first-line treatments; however, their modest survival benefits and toxicity require better alternatives. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise; however, direct comparisons between ICI-based regimens and TKIs, particularly those stratified by hepatocellular carcinoma (H…

Differential Efficacy of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Aetiology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Clinical oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)) · 2026 · PMID 41764966

AIMS: The tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is distinctive across different aetiologies, potentially leading divergent responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study compared the efficacy of ICI-based therapies between viral and nonviral HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was implemented as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching multiple databases for studies published up to June 2025. Studies rep…

Clinical Trials for Curing Chronic Hepatitis B: A Comprehensive Analysis of Trial Design Considerations and Their Association With Trial Performance.

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41830065

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The development of novel agents with curative intent for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has accelerated, but few candidates transition to phase III trials. We evaluated trial design features associated with registry-defined trial completion and phase transition, and synthesized end-of-treatment hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline as an on-treatment antiviral signal. METHODS: We systematically reviewed clinical trial registries and bibliographic databases for CHB cure trials. Associations betw…

HBV RNA Predicts the Risk of Off-Treatment Relapse in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With NAs Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 41830105

Since there are currently few antiviral drugs that can effectively reduce hepatitis B surface antigen levels, the recurrence rate remains high in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) after discontinuing nucleoside analogues (NAs) treatment. This study aims to provide recommendations for monitoring relapse after treatment cessation, while also elucidating the significance of HBV RNA in predicting relapse in CHB patients. Studies published between 2019 and 2025 were searched using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, C…

A bibliometric analysis of immunotherapy for chronic hepatitis B: trends and hotspots prediction.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42317314

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a major global public health issue, affecting hundreds of millions worldwide and serving as a primary cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, immunotherapies aimed at reconstituting or enhancing the host immune response to control or even clear HBV have emerged as one of the most promising strategies for achieving functional cure. METHODS: A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus databases …

Efficacy of antiviral therapy in adults with chronic hepatitis B according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41839198

BACKGROUND: In the 2015 WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), antiviral therapy was recommended for individuals with cirrhosis and individuals without cirrhosis with persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA >20 000 IU/mL, whereas treatment was deferred for individuals with persistently normal ALT concentrations and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL. To inform 2024 WHO guidelines on CHB and the potential expansion of treatment threshold recommendations, we conduct…

Viral hepatitis and immunotherapy outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive umbrella review of 15 meta-analyses.

Critical reviews in oncology/hematology · 2026 · PMID 41794163

BACKGROUND: First-line systemic therapy for unresectable/advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) now prioritizes immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combinations, but whether viral hepatitis etiology modifies benefit remains clinically uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize meta-analytic evidence for first-line systemic therapy in unresectable/advanced HCC, assessing hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and nonviral etiology as effect modifiers. This umbrella review uniquely quantifies overlap across meta-analyse…

Prevalence, Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Hepatitis B Patients With Indeterminate Phase: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 41761832

Although current guidelines classify the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) into several immune phases, a substantial proportion of patients with CHB do not meet criteria for any of the defined immune phases and are considered to be in an indeterminate phase. We aim to perform a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the prevalence, clinical presentation and outcome of indeterminate CHB patients classified according to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) 2018 guidelines or Europ…

Co-managing the double burden: strategies for simultaneously tackling infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Infectious diseases of poverty · 2026 · PMID 42538553

BACKGROUND: Evidence increasingly shows close, bidirectional links between infectious diseases (IDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, research, health policy, and prevention practices still largely address them in separate frameworks. This scoping review summarises the current evidence on the interconnections between IDs and NCDs and explores integrated strategies for their prevention and management. METHODS: This scoping review systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for English-la…

Prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B co-infection in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC infectious diseases · 2026 · PMID 42129696

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are both major public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa. Co-infection with these virus accelerates liver disease progression, increases hepatotoxicity, undermines treatment effectiveness, and raises mortality risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of HBV-HIV co-infection in Nigeria. METHODS: We searched databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) from their respective start dat…

Natural history of chronic hepatitis B in untreated adults without cirrhosis according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41839199

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects an estimated 254 million people globally. Historically, WHO and professional society guidelines have recommended treatment for individuals at high risk of disease progression, including those with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA concentrations >20 000 IU/mL. Whether individuals at lower risk, including those with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL and normal alanine aminotransferase concentrations, benefit from treatment remains uncertain. To inform 2024 WHO guidelines and the potential…

Efficacy of NAs in combination with Peg-IFN for functional cure in patients with CHB: a meta-analysis of RCTs.

Annals of medicine · 2026 · PMID 41777119

BACKGROUND: The goal of treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to achieve functional cure. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of nucleoside (acid) analogues (NAs) and pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) on the functional cure of CHB patients at the EOT and at the EOF. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched systematically up to March 15, 2025. Sixteen RCTs on CHB patients receiving combination or monotherapy were included. RESULT: Compared with NAs treatment, the NAs combined with Peg-I…

Impact of male genital tract infections on semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fertility and sterility · 2026 · PMID 41825760

Male genitourinary (GU) infections have been proposed to adversely affect semen quality and reproductive outcomes; however, existing evidence remains heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between GU infections and semen parameters, reproductive outcomes, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes using control-comparator studies identified through PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies compared men with documented GU infections with noninfected controls and …

Efficacy and Safety of Switching from Entecavir to Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Multicenter Randomized Trial in Korea.

Gut and liver · 2026 · PMID 42015653

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to entecavir (ETV) in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching to TAF compared with maintaining ETV in patients with CHB who had achieved virologic suppression on ETV. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, noninferiority clinical trial conducted at 13 Korean centers, 196 CHB patients who had experienced virologic suppression aft…

Recommendations for the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in Spain.

Gastroenterologia y hepatologia · 2026 · PMID 42061813

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV), whose infection depends on the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is associated with one of the chronic viral hepatitis that most rapidly progresses to advanced liver disease, including liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, screening for HBV/HDV infection is key to the early diagnosis of hepatitis D, improving the prognosis of infected individuals through a strategy that has proven to be effective and efficient. This document reviews the epidemiolog…

Efficacy of NAs in combination with Peg-IFN for functional cure in patients with CHB: a meta-analysis of RCTs.

Annals of medicine · 2026 · PMID 41777119

BACKGROUND: The goal of treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to achieve functional cure. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of nucleoside (acid) analogues (NAs) and pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) on the functional cure of CHB patients at the EOT and at the EOF. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched systematically up to March 15, 2025. Sixteen RCTs on CHB patients receiving combination or monotherapy were included. RESULT: Compared with NAs treatment, the NAs combined with Peg-I…

Co-managing the double burden: strategies for simultaneously tackling infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Infectious diseases of poverty · 2026 · PMID 42538553

BACKGROUND: Evidence increasingly shows close, bidirectional links between infectious diseases (IDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, research, health policy, and prevention practices still largely address them in separate frameworks. This scoping review summarises the current evidence on the interconnections between IDs and NCDs and explores integrated strategies for their prevention and management. METHODS: This scoping review systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for English-la…

Efficacy of antiviral therapy in adults with chronic hepatitis B according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41839198

BACKGROUND: In the 2015 WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), antiviral therapy was recommended for individuals with cirrhosis and individuals without cirrhosis with persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA >20 000 IU/mL, whereas treatment was deferred for individuals with persistently normal ALT concentrations and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL. To inform 2024 WHO guidelines on CHB and the potential expansion of treatment threshold recommendations, we conduct…

Switching to besifovir in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: A randomized trial.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2025 · PMID 39828249

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Besifovir (BSV) showed comparable antiviral activity and superior safety profiles to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, no data are available regarding the antiviral efficacy and safety of BSV in patients with CHB who switched from long-term TDF to BSV. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of a 48-week BSV therapy in patients with CHB who switched from long-term TDF treatment. METHODS: In this non-inferiority trial, 153 CHB patients treate…

Hepatitis B virus outcomes in people with HIV after cessation of tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

EClinicalMedicine · 2026 · PMID 42541296

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens without tenofovir have risks related to hepatitis B virus (HBV). As these regimens are being used more frequently, clinicians and policy makers would benefit from an accurate estimate of the risk of HBV outcomes following tenofovir cessation. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of HBV reactivation and infection in people with HIV who discontinue tenofovir. We searched Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane database (1 January 2006-15 February 2026) …

Malaria Coinfections Worldwide: An Umbrella Systematic Review of Prevalence and Epidemiological Patterns.

Tropical medicine and infectious disease · 2026 · PMID 42506776

Malaria coinfections with other infectious agents represent a clinically relevant epidemiological challenge, but evidence remains fragmented across individual systematic reviews. This umbrella systematic review synthesized review-level evidence on the prevalence and epidemiological patterns of concurrent malaria coinfections in human populations. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS/BVS were searched for systematic reviews published from 1 January 2000 to March 2026. Risk of bias, certainty of…

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in asymptomatic blood donors in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England) · 2026 · PMID 42538138

Viral hepatitis remains a serious risk to transfusion safety, despite being considerably reduced by donor screening. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among asymptomatic blood donors in Saudi Arabia in the past 15 years (2010-2025). A literature search has been conducted on seven databases. Prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled via a random effects model. Twelve studies, examining 597 820 blood donors, were included in this study. The over…

Adherence and efficacy of the 0 - 7 - 21-day versus the 0 - 1 - 6-month hepatitis B vaccination schedules among people who use drugs: a two-year randomized controlled trial.

Expert review of vaccines · 2026 · PMID 41622674

BACKGROUND: To compare the adherence and efficacy between the 0 - 7 - 21-day and the 0 - 1 - 6-month hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination schedules among people who use drugs (PWUD) in China. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 1261 HBV-susceptible PWUD from compulsory isolated detoxification centers (CIDCs) and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in Xi'an. A 20 µg per-dose vaccine was used. HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs), surface antigen, and core antibody were tes…

Clarifying residual drug effects and subgroup outcomes in TDF-to-BSV switch trials: Letter to the editor on "Switching to besifovir in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: A randomized trial".

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2026 · PMID 40984668

Tenofovir Alafenamide vs. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Lowering the Risk of HCC Development in Patients With CHB.

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41797216

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are guideline-endorsed first-line options for antiviral-naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We compared their associations with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence. METHODS: We assembled a multicenter cohort of 1364 treatment-naive CHB patients initiating either TAF (n = 322) or TDF (n = 1042) between 2012 and 2019. Confounding was addressed using 1:2 propensity score (PS) matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW…

Safety and efficacy of libevitug in patients with chronic hepatitis B and D virus coinfection: A single-center, open-label, phase IIa trial in China.

Hepatology communications · 2026 · PMID 42486799

BACKGROUND: Chronic HBV and HDV coinfection represents the most severe form of viral hepatitis. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of libevitug (HH-003), a novel human monoclonal antibody targeting the PreS1 domain of the HBV large envelope protein, in patients with chronic HBV and HDV coinfection. METHODS: This single-center, open-label, proof-of-concept phase IIa clinical trial enrolled 9 participants who received i.v. infusion of 20 mg/kg libevitug every 2 weeks for 24 weeks, followed by a 24-wee…

Immunogenicity and safety of a 2 + 1 schedule of the DTaP-IPV-HB-Hib hexavalent combination vaccine in preterm infants in Spain.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics · 2026 · PMID 42359964

Preterm infants are at higher risk of mortality, disabilities, and infections. Hexavalent DTaP-IPV-HB-Hib vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b are standards of care in pediatric immunization. Evidence on the use of these vaccines in preterm infants remains limited, particularly in extreme preterms. This open-label, multicenter, non-randomized phase IV trial conducted in Spain evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a 2 + 1 schedule of the …

Lack of association between rifaximin and drug-resistant infections: a global multicenter inpatient cirrhosis cohort.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42120075

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infections with drug-resistant organisms (DROs) are associated with poor outcomes in cirrhosis. Rifaximin, widely used for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), could promote cross-resistance, but data regarding clinical impact are conflicting. Aim: Determine predictors of DROs in a global cirrhosis inpatient cohort focusing on preadmission rifaximin use. METHODS: From the global CLEARED consortium, we focused on cirrhosis inpatients with infections on/during admission. Clinical/demographic/medication, espe…

Tenofovir alafenamide prevents HBV reactivation in anticancer/immunosuppression: 24-month multicentre prospective study.

The Journal of infection · 2026 · PMID 41763570

OBJECTIVE: Our prior interim report remains the only prospective study evaluating tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for HBV reactivation prevention, with prophylaxis assessed up to 12 months. Herein, we report the final 24-month follow-up results. METHODS: This multicentre prospective-study enrolled HBV carriers who received prophylactic TAF before antineoplastic or immunosuppressive therapy and patients with resolved HBV infection who developed reactivation and received TAF as reactivation-related hepatitis prophylaxis.…

Assessing the impact of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder on infectious disease management.

Journal of substance use and addiction treatment · 2026 · PMID 42081946

INTRODUCTION: Injection opioid misuse is associated with the transmission of infectious diseases (IDs) such as hepatitis B and C, and skin and soft tissue infections. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are effective treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) and can reduce ID risk and improve outcomes. This study evaluated the association between treatment with buprenorphine extended-release (BUP-XR; SUBLOCADE®) or transmucosal buprenorphine (TM-BUP) and ID-specific incidence rates, all-cause healthcare resou…

Temporal Association Between COVID-19 Vaccination and HBsAg Loss in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2026 · PMID 42168131

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, a functional cure in chronic hepatitis (CHB), is rare. Temporal changes in HBsAg loss rates were evaluated in relation to COVID-19 vaccination rollout in South Korea. METHODS: An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was performed using electronic health records of 59,946 adults with CHB (2002-2025). Monthly HBsAg loss incidence rates were estimated using a competing risk framework. National COVID-19 vaccination coverage was used as a surrogate for pop…

Serological epidemiology of hepatitis B virus and vaccine-induced immune dynamics in 58,169 children in Wuhan, China (2019-2025): a cross-sectional analysis of waning immunity and adolescent susceptibility.

Virology journal · 2026 · PMID 42210247

OBJECTIVES: Despite the success of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in reducing hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, the long-term durability of vaccine-induced immunity and the precise trajectory of antibody decay in Chinese pediatric populations remain under-characterized. This study investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the kinetics of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) in a large cohort of children in Wuhan to inform prime-boost vaccination strategies. METHODS:…

Dual susceptibility to hepatitis A and B among people newly diagnosed with HIV in Taiwan during the vaccination era: a multicenter study.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · 2026 · PMID 42537780

OBJECTIVES: Taiwan's universal infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination (1984-1986) and sanitation-driven loss of childhood hepatitis A virus (HAV) exposure have reshaped hepatitis immunity. During a 2025-2026 hepatitis A resurgence, joint susceptibility to vaccine-preventable hepatitis among people with HIV (PWH), and HBV serology of those starting tenofovir-sparing antiretroviral therapy (ART), remain undescribed. METHODS: We categorized 1,202 adults newly diagnosed with HIV at six hospitals in Taiwan during 20…

Comprehensive tuberculosis screening and preventive treatment in schools and congregate settings of India (2017-2024): a prospective study.

The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia · 2026 · PMID 41705172

BACKGROUND: Existing Tuberculosis (TB) elimination strategies show limited impact, with suboptimal uptake of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) and increasing TB incidence after the COVID-19 pandemic. Real-world evidence on reduction of tuberculosis in high-burden communities is needed to inform future TB elimination strategies. METHODS: Since 2017, a comprehensive TB screening and TPT program known as Zero TB in Kids (ZTBK) was implemented in congregate settings of Tibetan communities in India. TB disease, TB…

Two Diagnostic Challenges in Hepatitis B Serology: Low HBsAg S/CO Values and Isolated Anti-HBc Positivity.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026 · PMID 42515104

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) values and isolated anti-HBc positivity represent two significant diagnostic challenges in hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. This retrospective study, conducted in Karabuk between 2021 and 2025, aimed to evaluate the correlation between these profiles and HBV DNA positivity to determine the optimal S/CO thresholds for confirmatory testing and clarify the clinical relevance of isolated anti-HBc reactivity. Among 17,356 patients screened for anti-HBc, isolat…

GAFAD: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based model for early hepatocellular carcinoma detection beyond GALAD's limitations.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41740588

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The GALAD (Gender, Age, Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein [AFP-L3], alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin) score, widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection, was primarily derived from cohorts with advanced-stage tumors and elevated biomarker levels, potentially overestimating accuracy in early-stage disease. Furthermore, the lectin-based AFP-L3 assay has poor sensitivity at low AFP concentrations, limiting detection of small or AFP-negative tumors.…

Machine learning prediction of functional cure to pegylated interferon-alpha therapy in two HBV populations: Advantaged populations and HBeAg-negative patients.

Virulence · 2026 · PMID 41656920

Despite advances in antiviral therapy, the rate of functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unsatisfactory, and developing an applicable prediction model is pivotal to improving it. Thus, we aimed to identify key predictive factors and develop prognostic models for functional cure in HBeAg-negative patients and the advantaged populations. This retrospective study included 202 HBeAg-negative CHB patients (114 classified as advantaged populations) receiving pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFNα) therapy f…

Vaccination in patients with cancer: Gaps in coverage, barriers, and the role of clinician recommendations.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics · 2026 · PMID 41686169

Cancer patients require a tailored vaccination strategy. This study aims to assess the vaccination status of cancer patients, evaluate disease incidence and severity in vaccinated individuals, identify reasons for noncompliance with guideline-recommended vaccines, and explore vaccine hesitancy. A cross-sectional survey, including 36 multiple-choice and 6 open-ended questions, was conducted in across Turkey. A total of 506 patients participated between September 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Among the participants…

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B vaccine uptake among undergraduate medical students in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.

The Journal of international medical research · 2026 · PMID 42541703

BackgroundHepatitis B virus remains a major global public health concern, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality due to complications such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B virus prevalence remains high in many developing countries, including Tanzania, where it is estimated to be 7.17%. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to hepatitis B virus infection because of occupational exposure, including needle-stick injuries and contact with infected blood or b…

Chemoprophylaxis effect of EGCG on various digestive system diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Frontiers in medicine · 2026 · PMID 42359071

BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) constitutes the main component of tea polyphenols found in tea leaves and has been found to have a positive therapeutic effect on various digestive system diseases. However, no systematic review has been conducted on the research progress and mechanisms of EGCG in relation to digestive system diseases, an its toxicity. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search for preclinical studies from the inception of each database to 28th September 2025, including Emb…

Development of RPA and nested-RPA based CRISPR/Cas13a diagnostic platform for the identification of HBV DNA and HCV RNA in Indian patient cohort.

Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease · 2026 · PMID 42289138

BACKGROUND: Among the Indian population, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major burdens and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects around 1% Indian population. CRISPR-based detection platforms have shown to be a novel low-cost technology with high sensitivity and specificity. In the presence of target nucleic acids, Cas13a molecule is activated to trans-cleave the fluorophore quencher (FQ)-labeled ssRNA reporter, and illuminate detectable fluorescent signals. METHODS: Leptotrichia wadei (Lwa) cas13a w…

Virus infections and cancers: from mechanisms to therapeutics.

Molecular biomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42417944

Viral infections are a major contributor to global cancer incidence and mortality. However, integrative reviews that connect viral classification, carcinogenic mechanisms, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and translational strategies remain limited. This review summarizes the classification and epidemiological characteristics of major oncogenic viruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human T-lympho…

Self-assembly of the domestic cat hepadnavirus core antigen (DCHcAg) into virus-like particles (VLPs).

Virology · 2026 · PMID 41833205

Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCHBV) is an emerging Orthohepadnavirus associated with chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in cats, sharing structural similarity with human hepatitis B virus (HBV). We successfully expressed the DCHBV core antigen (DCHBVcAg) in a baculovirus-insect cell system and demonstrated its self-assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs). Full-length DCHBVcWT and C-terminally truncated DCHBVcN149 (residues 1-149) were expressed in Sf9 cells, formed dimers, and purified by sucrose gradie…

Virological and pathological characterization of an outbreak of domestic cat hepatitis B virus infection in a cat shelter in Japan.

The Journal of veterinary medical science · 2026 · PMID 41951368

Domestic cat hepatitis B virus (DCHBV) infections are associated with chronic hepatitis and hepatic cancer in cats, similar to human HBV. We previously demonstrated that the positivity rate for DCHBV in Japan is less than 1% among tested samples, suggesting lower viral dissemination in Japan than in other countries. Furthermore, the transmission dynamics of DCHBV remain poorly understood. In this study, we document the first recorded outbreak of DCHBV in a cat shelter in Japan, which had an unprecedentedly high pre…

Bivalent virus-like particles expressing SPECT1 and CSP trigger pre-erythrocytic malaria immunity and protect against transgenic Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite challenge in mice.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42220505

INTRODUCTION: The decline in protective antibody titers and efficacy over time of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-based RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines highlights the need for improved vaccines. Sporozoite microneme protein essential for cell traversal-1 (SPECT-1) is a conserved Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) antigen that plays a key role in parasite movements while traversing host cells. Targeting SPECT-1 as an addition to the CSP in the same vaccine may enhance immune response and protection. METHODS: We engi…

Epidemiological and recombination analysis of duck hepatitis B virus in domestic ducks from Hunan province, China.

Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases · 2026 · PMID 42033854

Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), a member of the Avihepadnavirus genus, serves as an important model for human hepatitis B virus (HBV) due to shared genomic and replication features. Although typically asymptomatic in adult ducks, DHBV infection is associated with substantial economic losses in commercial flocks, including reduced egg hatchability and impaired duckling development. As the world's largest producer of waterfowl, China faces significant economic threats from such endemic viruses, highlighting the import…

Meropenem treatment failure in severe melioidosis despite in vitro susceptibility: A case report.

IDCases · 2026 · PMID 42382259

Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a potentially life-threatening infection that can rapidly progress to septic shock and multi-organ failure if not promptly recognized and treated. Current international guidelines recommend meropenem as first-line therapy for severe melioidosis, whereas prolonged oral eradication therapy is essential to prevent relapse. We report a 39-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and chronic hepatitis B who initially improved on intravenous ceftazidime for disseminated melioidosi…

RRM2B is associated with low-level viremia during entecavir therapy in pediatric chronic hepatitis B and promotes profibrotic signaling in vitro.

Virology journal · 2026 · PMID 42436559

BACKGROUND: Low-level viremia (LLV) during nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is clinically relevant, but its biological basis in children remains unclear. We investigated the clinical features of pediatric LLV and sought host factors linking incomplete virological suppression to stress adaptation and profibrotic signaling. METHODS: Children with CHB who initiated entecavir therapy between 2019 and 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. LLV and maintained virological response (MVR) were defin…

Impact of hepatitis B virus carrier status on IVF-ET outcomes across different ovarian reserve levels: A retrospective study.

Medicine · 2026 · PMID 42152314

To evaluate the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier status on oocyte quality, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes in women with varying ovarian reserve undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This retrospective study included 112 infertile women with HBV carrier status and 104 HBV-negative controls who underwent IVF-ET between December 2020 and December 2024. Participants were stratified by serum anti-müllerian hormone levels into low (<2 μg/L), normal (2-7 μg/L), and high (>…

Plasma gamma-glutamylglycine predicts the seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42338590

BACKGROUND: The seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) remains difficult to be completely obtained in the treatment of hepatitis B. This study aimed to characterize the metabolic signatures of HBeAg-positive patients and identify key metabolites associated with HBeAg seroconversion. METHODS: Untargeted metabolomic analysis was conducted to investigate the plasma metabolic profiles of HBeAg-positive (n=54) and negative (n=33) patients. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with persistent HBeAg<20IU/…

Monocyte-derived IL-1β predicts and promotes HBsAg decline in chronic hepatitis B patients under nucleoside analogue therapy.

Hepatology communications · 2026 · PMID 42190271

BACKGROUND: Although nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) suppress HBV replication, functional cure-defined by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss-is rarely achieved in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Immune correlates of HBsAg decline may inform new therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We profiled peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from NA-treated CHB patients with declining versus sustained HBsAg levels by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), followed by validation in an independent multicenter cohort using transcr…

Acute-on-chronic liver failure-associated CD45+ EPCs reduced survival via promoting fatty acid β-oxidation in vascular endothelial cells.

Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS · 2026 · PMID 42176002

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high mortality and multi-organ damage in chronic liver disease. This study investigated the role of CD45+ erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) in ACLF progression and underlying mechanisms. CD45+ EPCs from 22 patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize cell distribution in liver tissue. Mitochondrial function assays and RNA sequencing were performed on isolated C…

Recombinant polyclonal antibody GIGA-2339 potently and pan-genotypically neutralizes hepatitis B virus.

Antiviral research · 2026 · PMID 42442613

Existing hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatments control viral replication in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients but fail to prevent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) production; excessive HBsAg production leads to HBV-specific immune tolerance. GIGA-2339 is a first-in-class, recombinant polyclonal antibody (pAb) therapeutic consisting of over 1000 human IgG1/IgK antibodies targeting HBsAg epitopes developed for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. As Hepatitis D virus (HDV) utilizes HBsAg produced by HBV for viral…

Short-chain Fatty Acids and Bile Acids Signaling in Chronic Hepatitis B.

Journal of clinical and translational hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42483736

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major global public health challenge. Current therapies based on nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon mainly achieve long-term viral suppression, whereas only a small proportion of patients attain a functional cure, defined as sustained hepatitis B surface antigen loss with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below the limit of quantification for at least 24 weeks after treatment discontinuation, with or without anti-HBs seroconversion. Emerging evidence from the gut-liver axis indicat…

Gut Microbiota, Immunity, and Metabolism in the Progression From Chronic Liver Disease to Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2026 · PMID 42429613

The progression from chronic liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) should be viewed as a heterogeneous continuum of immune, metabolic, fibrotic, and microbial remodeling rather than as a single linear route. Although this review uses the MASLD-MASH-fibrosis/cirrhosis-HCC sequence as a mechanistically informative model, the gut-liver-immune framework is also relevant, with important etiology-specific differences, to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, chronic h…

Hepatitis B Doubly Spliced Protein (HBDSP) Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Migration, and Invasion via SP1/ETS1-Dependent YAP Activation in Hepatoma Cells.

Journal of medical virology · 2026 · PMID 42423506

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health burden. Although the canonical HBV proteins are well-studied, the pathological roles of HBV spliced variants and their encoded proteins are poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the cancer-promoting potential of hepatitis B doubly spliced protein (HBDSP), encoded by the 2.2 kb doubly spliced variant of HBV, and its underlying mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In vitro functional assays demonstrated that HBDSP induces…

Epigenetic editing approaches maturity: AI-driven precision design, delivery innovation, and the road to clinical translation.

Clinical epigenetics · 2026 · PMID 42421085

Epigenetic editing achieves durable gene silencing through targeted modification of chromatin and DNA methylation states without altering the genomic sequence-modifications that remain fundamentally reversible compared with genome editing. Long constrained by transient efficacy, insufficient precision, and delivery bottlenecks, the field reached a critical inflection point in 2024-2025, measurable through three quantifiable criteria: (1) mechanistic durability-silencing maintained across ≥ 450 cell divisions in vit…

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease induced hepatocyte apoptosis to eliminate hepatitis B virus.

Virology journal · 2026 · PMID 42421036

BACKGROUD AND AIM: With the rising prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) co-occurring with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), an in-depth investigation into the impact and mechanisms of MAFLD on CHB is urgently needed. Prior studies have reported that patients with concomitant CHB and MAFLD exhibit lower levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication; however, the underlying mechanistic basis remains unclear. Accumulating evidence indicates that induction of apoptosis is a critical mecha…

Multi-omics and artificial intelligence nominate PCLAF as a prognostic and druggable target for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cellular signalling · 2026 · PMID 42486346

BACKGROUND: PCLAF (PCNA clamp-associated factor) is a protein involved in DNA replication and DNA repair. Aberrant PCLAF expression has been reported in multiple malignancies and is associated with tumor progression and poor clinical outcomes. However, the biological role of PCLAF in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains incompletely understood, particularly with respect to its relationship with the tumor immune microenvironment. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate the clinical significance, …

Identification of D4 as a novel antiviral compound inhibiting hepatitis B virus surface antigen via TMEM40 upregulation.

Antiviral research · 2026 · PMID 42413585

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global public health challenge. Current therapies rarely achieve a functional cure, defined as the clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and fulfillment of other criteria. A critical unmet need is the development of agents that effectively suppress HBsAg production. Notably, serum HBsAg in patients predominantly originates from subviral particles (SVPs). To identify compounds inhibiting SVP production, we previously developed a cell model (Hep…

Nanoparticle-Based Antigen Delivery: Advancing Immunization Strategies against Infectious Pathogens.

Biomaterials research · 2026 · PMID 42405013

Stimulation of adaptive immunity is a goal to defend against infectious agents. In recent years, vaccine development and improvements in their efficacy have been thoroughly investigated, and highly effective vaccines have been released to the market. The administration of vaccinations, safety, and the development of immunogenicity pose considerable challenges in this area. Investigations have been conducted on nanoparticle (NP)-based vaccines to address the issue. NPs are used in vaccine development to enhance anti…

Network pharmacology and experimental analysis of Paeoniae radix Rubra and moutan cortex for SLE treatment.

Scientific reports · 2026 · PMID 42350497

Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao, CS) and Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi, MDP) are frequently utilized in the clinical management of SLE, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects in SLE remain to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of CS-MDP in treating SLE using a network pharmacology and experimental approach. The potential active ingredients and targets of CS-MDP were obtained through screening the TCMSP database. Known targets of SLE were retrieved from disease databa…

Therapeutic Vaccines for Chronic Viral Infections: From Immune Modulation to Clinical Translation.

Vaccines · 2026 · PMID 42347630

Therapeutic vaccines are a key strategy to achieve the goal of "functional cure" of chronic viral infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Various platforms (such as viral vectors, nucleic acid vaccines, recombinant proteins, etc.) have successfully induced strong virus-specific T-cell responses in early trials, but their clinical efficacy is still limited by the immunosuppressive environment…

Etiology-Based Treatment for Unresectable/Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Focus on Viral Hepatitis and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis.

Liver cancer · 2026 · PMID 42338691

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are a keystone in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) therapy. However, preclinical evidence suggests that mice with pure metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related HCCs may not benefit from ICIs. This has tremendous implications for both therapy selection and future drug development. SUMMARY: Viral and MASH-HCCs differ in molecular pathogenesis and immune microenvironment. Preclinical evidence has shown impaired immune surveillance and ICI-in…

Interventions to Increase Hepatitis B Testing Uptake Amongst Detained Populations: A Systematic Review.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 42163587

People who have been detained have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) than the general population, yet testing uptake remains limited. Improving testing uptake in high-risk settings is essential to the World Health Organization 2030 elimination target. This systematic review examines interventions aimed at increasing hepatitis B testing uptake in prison. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL were searched from January 2000 to April 2025. Quantitative interventional studies were included. Quality appraisal…

Huangjia Ruangan granules with entecavir for fibrosis regression in Chroinc Hepatitis B: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase II trial.

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2025 · PMID 41138575

BACKGROUND: Huangjia Ruangan Granules (HRG) has shown promising therapeutic effects in treating hepatic fibrosis in China. This study aimed to assess its specific efficacy. METHODS: This 48-week phase II study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 14 centers in China (No. ChiCTR2400086796). patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and an Ishak fibrosis score between 2 to 5 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups (1:1:1 ratio): ETV (0.5…

[Clinical study on the efficacy of Wuling capsules combined with nucleos(t)ide analogues in the treatment of low-level viremia patients with chronic hepatitis B].

Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42373438

Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Wuling capsules combined with nucleos(t)ide analogues in the treatment of low-level viremia in chronic hepatitis B. Methods: A randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted. One hundred patients with low-level viremia in chronic hepatitis B admitted between December 2021 and March 2024 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 cases in each group. The experimental group received nucleos(t…

Perioperative camrelizumab plus rivoceranib versus surgery alone in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma at intermediate or high risk of recurrence (CARES-009): a randomised phase 2/3 trial.

Lancet (London, England) · 2025 · PMID 41125112

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the preferred curative approach for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, but recurrence remains a major challenge. Consequently, neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies have been proposed to reduce tumour burden and mitigate the risk of recurrence. The CARES-009 trial aimed to evaluate perioperative camrelizumab plus rivoceranib in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma at intermediate or high risk of recurrence. METHODS: This multicentre, open-label, randomise…

The small interfering RNA imdusiran as single and multiple doses in healthy, randomised individuals and non-randomised individuals with chronic hepatitis B (AB-729-001): a phase 1a/b trial.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42173110

BACKGROUND: Functional cure of chronic hepatitis B requires a sustained loss of HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, which is unlikely with current therapies. We aimed to investigate the safety, antiviral activity, and anti-HBV immune responses of the N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated, small interfering RNA imdusiran, a therapeutic strategy designed to reduce viral antigens on the path to achieving immune control. METHODS: AB-729-001 was a phase 1a/b trial conducted at 11 centres and hospitals: three in Australia,…

A Phase 1, Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Relative Bioavailability and Safety of Subcutaneous Bepirovirsen when Delivered from a Vial or Prefilled Syringe Fitted with a Safety Syringe Device in Healthy Adult Participants.

Clinical pharmacology in drug development · 2026 · PMID 41085094

Bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide in development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, is administered from glass vials as a subcutaneous (SC) injection by healthcare professionals (HCPs). A ready-to-use prefilled syringe (PFS) assembled with a safety syringe device (SSD) has been developed to make administration more convenient and facilitate patient self-administration. This Phase 1, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the relative bioavailability of bepirovir…

ALG-000184 (pevifoscorvir sodium) monotherapy in participants with chronic HBV infection: a phase 1, multicentre, randomised, dose escalation trial.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41554267

BACKGROUND: ALG-000184 (pevifoscorvir sodium) is a prodrug of the class-E (empty) capsid assembly modulator (CAM), ALG-001075. CAM-Es prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication by inhibiting capsid assembly and pregenomic RNA encapsidation and preventing covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) establishment. This part of the study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and short-term antiviral activity of ALG-000184 in participants with HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection to…

A Phase 1 study of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ALG-000184 (pevifoscorvir sodium), a novel Class E capsid assembly modulator, in healthy participants.

Antiviral therapy · 2025 · PMID 41268712

BackgroundClass E (empty) capsid assembly modulators (CAM-Es) inhibit HBV capsid assembly, pregenomic RNA encapsidation preventing formation the establishment of covalently closed circular HBV DNA (ccDNA). ALG-000184 (pevifoscorvir sodium), is a prodrug of the Class E CAM ALG-001075.MethodsALG-000184-201 was a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ALG-000184. Healthy participants (n = 8/cohort) received oral single-ascending doses (SA…

Enhancing Hepatitis B and C Prevention Among People Who Use Drugs: Evaluating an Educational Intervention at a Drop-In Center in Southwest Iran based on Protection Motivation Theory.

BMC public health · 2025 · PMID 41126184

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse, particularly injection drug use, remains a significant public health challenge in Iran, where an estimated 2 million people use illicit drugs daily. Injection drug users are at high risk for bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B and C, which contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in this population. Understanding individual factors that influence risky behaviors through frameworks like the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is essential for effective prevention. This st…

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Ascending Dose Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of HT-101, an RNAi Therapeutic Targeting HBV Infection.

Clinical pharmacology in drug development · 2025 · PMID 40607962

HT-101, a liver-targeted N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated ribonucleic acid interference therapeutic, exhibits promising potential for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and single-ascending-dose Phase Ia study included 50 healthy volunteers. Regarding methods, 2 subjects received a single subcutaneous dose of HT-101 at 25 mg, while 48 volunteers were randomized (6:2 active:placebo) in the remaining 6 cohorts to receive a single subcutaneous dose …

Safety and efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide in preventing hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation in patients with chronic kidney disease maintained on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: Results from a phase 2 randomized trial.

American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons · 2026 · PMID 40972902

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) effectively prevents hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with chronic HBV infection. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) demonstrated efficacy noninferior to TDF with improved renal and bone safety in phase 3 studies but has not been studied in patients who have undergone OLTs. In a phase 2 open-label trial, 51 patients with chronic HBV infection maintained on TDF therapy after OLTs with stage ≥ 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) were…

Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacodynamics of GS-4224 in Healthy Participants and Participants With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · 2026 · PMID 42163628

BACKGROUND & AIMS: This Phase 1a/b clinical study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics (PD) response, and antiviral activity of GS-4224, a first-in-class, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-binding orally bioavailable small molecule. METHODS: Participants were randomised to single and multiple ascending doses (S/MAD) of GS-4224 or placebo-to-match (PTM). Healthy participants (HPs; 5 cohorts) received once-daily GS-4224 doses for 10 days, escalating from 20 to 1 000 mg. Participants with chronic hepat…

VRON-0200 alone and in combination with investigational antivirals for participants with chronic hepatitis B virus infection receiving stable nucleos(t)ide therapy: a phase 1b, randomised, open-label, multicentre trial.

The Lancet. Microbe · 2026 · PMID 42214405

BACKGROUND: Functional cure treatments for hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been restricted by their inability to restore anti-HBV immunity, often leading to viral rebound after treatment. VRON-0200 is a novel immunotherapy for functional cure of HBV that contains a checkpoint modifier together with HBV core and polymerase (pol) antigens-but not surface antigens-to enhance, broaden, and prolong T-cell responses with the aim to prevent after treatment viral rebound and improve functional cure response rates. We report t…

The Effect of Grasp Reflex Stimulation on Pain During Vaccine Administration.

The Journal of perinatal & neonatal nursing · 2025 · PMID 39420477

BACKGROUND: The administration of vaccination, being an invasive procedure, can induce considerable pain in preterm infants. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of grasp reflex stimulation on pain and crying time during hepatitis B vaccine administration in infants. METHODS: This parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023, at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in Turkey. The study included preterm infants whose parents pro…

Elebsiran and PEG-IFNα for chronic hepatitis B infection: a partially randomized, open-label, phase 2 trial.

Nature medicine · 2026 · PMID 41203919

Functional cure is a goal for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, it is infrequently achieved with currently approved treatments. Here we provide a randomized evaluation of the small interfering RNA elebsiran, in combination with pegylated interferon alfa (PEG-IFNα), compared with PEG-IFNα monotherapy. In addition, this study evaluates the potential role of the HBV therapeutic vaccine BRII-179 in identifying immunologically responsive patients and improving hepatitis B surface antig…

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the antisense oligonucleotide RO7239958 in healthy volunteers and adults with chronic hepatitis B infection.

Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy · 2025 · PMID 41186228

Poly(A) RNA polymerases D5 and D7 (PAPD5, PAPD7) are host factors that stabilize hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA transcripts. RO7239958, a liver-targeted locked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), induces intracellular degradation of PAPD5- and PAPD7-encoding messenger RNAs (mRNAs). This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of RO7239958 in healthy volunteers and adults with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving standard-of-care antiviral ther…

Effect of pembrolizumab on viral hepatitis load and transaminases in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Annals of hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41453647

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prospective data are limited regarding viral hepatitis viral load and serology and immunotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This analysis evaluated hepatitis viral load and serology and transaminase levels in patients with sorafenib-treated advanced HCC who were receiving immunotherapy with pembrolizumab in the KEYNOTE-224 and KEYNOTE-240 studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the single-arm phase II KEYNOTE-224 (NCT02702414) and the placeb…

Efficacy and Safety of Pegylated Interferon as Rescue Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Who Failed to Achieve Functional Cure After Antisense Oligonucleotides or Small Interfering RNA: A Prospective, Multicentre, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial (SPHERE) Protocol.

Advances in therapy · 2026 · PMID 42176181

INTRODUCTION: Although novel targeted therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) can rapidly reduce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), only a subset of patients can achieve HBsAg seroclearance, and recurrence is common after discontinuation. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequencing pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) as rescue therapy for patients who have not achieved functional cure after initial therapy with ASO or siRNA. METHODS: This is a pr…

A Phase 2 Trial of Tobevibart plus Elebsiran in Hepatitis D.

The New England journal of medicine · 2026 · PMID 41211943

BACKGROUND: Both tobevibart (a monoclonal antibody) and elebsiran (a small interfering RNA) target hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). Their efficacy and safety in the treatment of chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection are unknown. METHODS: In this ongoing, phase 2, open-label trial, we randomly assigned participants to receive tobevibart plus elebsiran every 4 weeks or tobevibart monotherapy every 2 weeks. The primary end point was a combined response, defined by an HDV RNA level below the limit of dete…

Twenty-four-week anti-PD-1 antibody regimen promoted HBsAg reduction and concurrently enhanced HBV-specific T cell responses in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Gut · 2026 · PMID 41443982

BACKGROUND: PD-1 blockade has emerged as a promising approach for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of anti-PD-1 antibody (αPD-1), as well as its impact on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and immune responses in a larger cohort of CHB patients. DESIGN: In this prospective, open-label study, virally suppressed patients with CHB on nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) were assigned to receive either 24-week NA monotherapy (n=62) or αPD-1 (half-dose sin…

Peginterferon alpha-2a add-on to siRNA JNJ-73763989 in untreated patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: the phase 2 REEF-IT study.

Gut · 2026 · PMID 41193172

BACKGROUND: In the hepatitis B e antigen positive (HBeAg+) chronic infection disease phase, approved treatments have limited effects on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg. OBJECTIVE: The phase 2 REEF-IT study (NCT04439539) assessed safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of pegylated interferon-α2a (PegIFN-α2a) add-on to JNJ-73763989 (JNJ-3989)±bersacapavir+nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in not currently treated, HBeAg+chronic hepatitis B. DESIGN: Participants received JNJ-3989 (200 mg every 4 weeks)+NA±bers…

Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Pegbing in Healthy Subjects and Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

CPT: pharmacometrics & systems pharmacology · 2025 · PMID 40838600

Pegbing (peginterferon alpha-2b) is a polyethylene glycol-modified interferon α-2b injection that has demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profiles in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of Pegbing in both healthy subjects and CHB patients and to investigate the influence of covariates on its pharmacokinetic behavior. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from a Phase I trial in healthy volunteers and a Phase II trial in CHB patients.…

Safety and efficacy of libevitug in patients with chronic hepatitis B and D virus coinfection: A single-center, open-label, phase IIa trial in China.

Hepatology communications · 2026 · PMID 42486799

BACKGROUND: Chronic HBV and HDV coinfection represents the most severe form of viral hepatitis. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of libevitug (HH-003), a novel human monoclonal antibody targeting the PreS1 domain of the HBV large envelope protein, in patients with chronic HBV and HDV coinfection. METHODS: This single-center, open-label, proof-of-concept phase IIa clinical trial enrolled 9 participants who received i.v. infusion of 20 mg/kg libevitug every 2 weeks for 24 weeks, followed by a 24-wee…

HBV-Specific TCR-T Cell Therapy Combining mRNA Electroporation and Lentiviral Transduction: Treatment Regimen for Recurrent HBV-Related HCC after Liver Transplantation.

Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research · 2025 · PMID 40705079

PURPOSE: This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the safety, tolerability, and antitumor efficacy of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-cell receptor (TCR)-T cell therapy combining mRNA electroporation and lentiviral transduction in patients with recurrent HBV-hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this pilot study (NCT04677088), two types of autologous HBV-specific TCR-redirected T cells were assessed without prior lymphodepletion: (i) multiple infusions of mRNA-electropo…

Clinical results of an HBV-specific T-cell receptor-T-cell therapy (SCG101) in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma treated in an investigator-initiated, interventional trial.

Gut · 2025 · PMID 40803751

BACKGROUND: SCG101 is an autologous T-cell therapy specifically targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) using a natural, high-affinity T-cell receptor that is stably expressed. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and efficacy of SCG101 in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an investigator-initiated trial. DESIGN: Six human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01-positive, serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients with…

External Validation of the GOLDEN Model for Predicting HBsAg Loss in Noncirrhotic Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Interferon-Alpha-Based Therapy.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2026 · PMID 40562289

BACKGROUND & AIMS: GOLDEN model is designed to predict hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss based on patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy. We aimed to validate GOLDEN model's effectiveness in predicting HBsAg loss or decline in interferon-α-treated patients with CHB. METHODS: Interferon-α-treated patients were enrolled from EXCEL study, a randomized controlled trial that included hepatitis B e antigen-positive, noncirrhotic, treatment-naive patients with CHB, and Sea…

Hepatic flares, their immune signatures, and ALT variability after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in HBeAg-negative hepatitis B.

JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42067192

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic flares frequently occur after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) cessation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and can be beneficial ('good flares') or harmful ('bad flares'). We characterised flares after NA cessation aiming to identify predictors and immunological correlates of good and bad flares. METHODS: This study was nested in the prospective Nuc-Stop study, in which 127 patients with e-antigen negative CHB discontinued NA treatment with a 36-month follow-up. Flares were defined as…

Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Reduces Virological Replication in HBeAg-Negative Patients With Normal Alanine Aminotransferase: A 48-Week Randomised Controlled Trial.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 41608776

The optimal strategy for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients with negative hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) treatment in this patient population. This prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial enrolled HBeAg-negative patients with normal ALT and randomised them 1:1 to either the treatment group (TAF) or the control group (no treatment). The p…

Comparison of the impact of shunting the left versus right portal vein branch during TIPS on the postoperative overt hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized trial.

Hepatology international · 2026 · PMID 40965723

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The effect of shunting the left or right branch of the portal vein on the post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains controversial. Therefore, we designed this prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial to compare the incidence of HE after shunting the left or right branch of the portal vein during TIPS in cirrhotic patients to prevent variceal rebleeding. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis …

Efficacy and Safety of Pegylated Interferon as Rescue Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Who Failed to Achieve Functional Cure After Antisense Oligonucleotides or Small Interfering RNA: A Prospective, Multicentre, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial (SPHERE) Protocol.

Advances in therapy · 2026 · PMID 42176181

INTRODUCTION: Although novel targeted therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) can rapidly reduce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), only a subset of patients can achieve HBsAg seroclearance, and recurrence is common after discontinuation. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequencing pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) as rescue therapy for patients who have not achieved functional cure after initial therapy with ASO or siRNA. METHODS: This is a pr…

Characteristics, Treatment, and Safety Profile of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis According to Eligibility for Randomized Clinical Trials: An Analysis From the Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry (BIOBADATOP).

Actas dermo-sifiliograficas · 2026 · PMID 41344609

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) supporting advanced treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) involve highly selected patients, limiting their generalizability. OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of adults on advanced systemic therapy for AD in clinical practice who are underrepresented in RCTs and compare the safety and drug survival of these treatments between RCT-eligible and RCT-ineligible patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive and comparative analysis of data from the Spanish Atopic Dermatit…

Twenty-four-week anti-PD-1 antibody regimen promoted HBsAg reduction and concurrently enhanced HBV-specific T cell responses in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Gut · 2026 · PMID 41443982

BACKGROUND: PD-1 blockade has emerged as a promising approach for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of anti-PD-1 antibody (αPD-1), as well as its impact on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and immune responses in a larger cohort of CHB patients. DESIGN: In this prospective, open-label study, virally suppressed patients with CHB on nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) were assigned to receive either 24-week NA monotherapy (n=62) or αPD-1 (half-dose sin…

Proteomics-based machine learning model for predicting secondary infection in HBV-related liver failure.

Nature communications · 2026 · PMID 41776162

Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-related liver failure are highly vulnerable to secondary infections (SI), yet early predictive tools remain limited. In this work, we aim to develop and validate a plasma proteomics-based model for early SI risk assessment. In a prospective multicenter study, 114 patients are enrolled in the discovery cohort, 60 each in two validation cohorts. Untargeted proteomics is used to identify SI-related proteins, followed by Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance based feature selection and lo…

Paired liver-spleen high-frequency ultrasound deep learning network for full-stage liver fibrosis classification and clinical benefit compared with 2D-SWE in chronic hepatitis B cohort: a prospective multicenter study.

Journal of gastroenterology · 2026 · PMID 41432913

BACKGROUND: Elastography techniques such as two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) often result in missed or misdiagnoses when distinguishing between intermediate stages of liver fibrosis in clinical practice for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: Between January 2020 and August 2023, we prospectively enrolled 964 potentially eligible CHB patients from 6 hospitals who underwent liver biopsy. Finally, 598 patients with 2139 high-frequency ultrasound (HF-US) images were included. LS-Net, a de…

Low-level viremia increases the risk of adverse long-term outcomes in entecavir-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Antiviral research · 2026 · PMID 41412547

Low-level viremia (LLV) still occurs in some patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) after entecavir (ETV) treatment. We aimed to evaluate the effects of LLV on the adverse long-term outcomes. A secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study, consisting patients who underwent liver biopsy and received entecavir treatment, was conducted. LLV was defined as detectable HBV DNA levels (20-2000 IU/mL) at week 48 after the imitation of ETV treatment, maintained complete virological response (CVR) was define…

Incidence and predictors of HBsAg loss following addition of pegylated interferon Alfa-2b in chronic hepatitis B patients suppressed by nucleos(t)ide analogues: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

Virology journal · 2026 · PMID 41634714

BACKGROUNDS &AIMS: Nucleos(t)ide analog (NAs) treatment achieves limited HBsAg loss rates; switching to or adding Peginterferon (PegIFN) therapy may improve outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding PegIFNα-2b therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who are virally suppressed by NAs. METHOD: 250 CHB patients on NAs treatment with HBsAg < 1500 IU/mL, serum HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL, and ALT ≤ 1.5 × ULN were enrolled. Patients continued their NAs regimen and initiated PegIFNα-2b (180 µg/week) for 4…

Efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha in treating postpartum women with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a multicenter prospective study.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology · 2026 · PMID 42136734

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is a key milestone for functional (clinical) cure of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, data on the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) for HBsAg clearance in postpartum women with chronic HBV infection remain scarce. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of Peg-IFNα in promoting HBsAg clearance in this specific population. METHODS: A total of 263 HBV-infected postpartum women with a basel…

Hepatitis B Virus Infection and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Findings From the China Kadoorie Biobank.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 41724869

The existing evidence on the association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is limited and mixed. Moreover, no epidemiological studies have been conducted to comprehensively investigate this association in China. Hence, we performed a nationwide prospective cohort study to address these issues. Our study included 477,126 adults without a history of CVD. Participants were recruited from 10 diverse areas in China during 2004-2008, and followed up through December 31, 20…

Development and validation of a dynamic prognostic score for hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

The Journal of international medical research · 2026 · PMID 41889080

ObjectiveHepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure is a rapidly progressive syndrome associated with high mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a dynamic prognostic score for precise outcome prediction in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.MethodsData from a single-center retrospective cohort were used to develop a dynamic prognostic score. The score was subsequently validated in an external multicenter prospective cohort.ResultsA total of 124 patients wi…

Anti-HBs Immune Complex Levels: A Novel Marker of Hepatitis Flare Following Nucleos(t)ide Analog Withdrawal in HBeAg-negative Chronic Hepatitis B.

The Journal of infectious diseases · 2026 · PMID 41239780

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Humoral immunity is thought to play a key role in the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Peaks in anti-HBs immune complexes (HBsAg-ICs) have been associated with subsequent HBsAg seroclearance. Discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy can promote HBsAg seroclearance but also carries a risk of hepatitis flare. We evaluated the relationship between serum HBsAg-IC levels and hepatitis flare following NA cessation in HBeAg-negative CHB. METHODS: In a multicentre prospectiv…

The DePASS initiative in healthcare access units: Do not miss the opportunity to detect HIV, HBV, and HCV.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · 2026 · PMID 41475655

OBJECTIVES: HIV, HBV, and HCV infections remain major public health concerns, particularly among vulnerable populations. Free-of-charge healthcare units provide essential care for individuals facing barriers to healthcare. However, systematic testing remains inconsistent. The DePASS initiative aimed to promote routine screening, assess infection seroprevalences, and identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in 12 free-of-charge heal…

Community-based integrated care for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, Thailand.

Bulletin of the World Health Organization · 2026 · PMID 41602500

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of an integrated model of care in curing hepatitis C in people who use drugs in Thailand. METHODS: The C-Free Study enrolled people with current or prior drug use and their partners in a prospective cohort at community drop-in centres providing harm reduction services. Participants were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and sexually transmitted infections. Eligible participants with HCV infection received a 12-week cours…

Early on-treatment LSM reliably predicts liver-related events in CHB patients with significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2026 · PMID 40888242

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evidence comparing longitudinal liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) dynamics to on-treatment LSM for predicting clinical outcomes in patients receiving etiology therapy is limited. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of on-treatment LSM in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving antiviral therapy. APPROACH AND RESULTS: This prospective cohort included patients with CHB and significant fibrosis or cirrhosis. Liver-related events (LREs) were defined as hepatic decompensation…

Retention in care and viral suppression in people living with HIV and chronic hepatitis B in Maputo City, Mozambique: a prospective cohort study.

Scientific reports · 2026 · PMID 41776181

Early antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV), but outcomes for HIV-HBV coinfected people in Sub-Saharan Africa remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of HBV coinfection on 12-month retention in care, attrition, mortality, lost to follow-up (LTFU) and viral suppression among PLHIV. This prospective cohort study enrolled newly diagnosed, ART-naïve PLHIV at Mavalane Health Center, Maputo City, from May 2021 to November 2022 and followed participants…

Hepatitis B Outcomes After Switching to Long-Acting Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine in People With HIV: Reactivation, Incident Infection, and Liver Safety Across Diverse Serological Profiles.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America · 2026 · PMID 41539988

BACKGROUND: Long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) therapy for HIV, lacks activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). We evaluate HBV serological profiles and risk of HBV reactivation (HBVr) or incident infection (HBVi) in people with HIV (PWH) switching to LA-CAB/RPV. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of PWH initiating LA-CAB/RPV at Hospital Clínic Barcelona between February/2023 and February/2025. HBV serology, vaccination status, and liver function tests (LFTs) were assessed at baseline. Follow-up LFTs …

HBsAg Quantification-Based Models for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Nucleos(t)ide Analogs-Experienced Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: The HBsAg-HCC Score.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2026 · PMID 41933428

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) effectively suppress HBV replication, but residual HCC risk remains in treated patients, highlighting the need for reliable risk stratification tools. Existing prediction models rely heavily on age and liver function parameters and often overlook hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification, a key marker closely tied to HBV-related HCC, resulting in inadequate clinical pred…

Tenofovir alafenamide prevents HBV reactivation in anticancer/immunosuppression: 24-month multicentre prospective study.

The Journal of infection · 2026 · PMID 41763570

OBJECTIVE: Our prior interim report remains the only prospective study evaluating tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for HBV reactivation prevention, with prophylaxis assessed up to 12 months. Herein, we report the final 24-month follow-up results. METHODS: This multicentre prospective-study enrolled HBV carriers who received prophylactic TAF before antineoplastic or immunosuppressive therapy and patients with resolved HBV infection who developed reactivation and received TAF as reactivation-related hepatitis prophylaxis.…

Clinical Trial: Hepatitis B Virus Genotype and a Combination of End-of-Treatment Biomarkers Predict Severe Flares After Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Cessation.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2026 · PMID 41261561

BACKGROUND: Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) cessation can induce a functional cure in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, but severe post-cessation virologic relapses (SVRel) and severe biochemical flares (SBF) frequently occur. AIMS: To identify predictive biomarkers for patients at highest risk for SVRel and SBF. METHODS: In the multicentre prospective COIN-B trial, start-of-treatment HBeAg-negative, long-term virologically suppressed patients without advanced fibrosis are followed up for 72 weeks after NUC …

Concordance between self-report and six commonly used clinical estimates or serological measures: Insights from a Canadian healthy aging study.

PloS one · 2026 · PMID 41950243

OBJECTIVE: To assess the concordance between self-reported and clinically assessed prevalence of selected chronic conditions and latent viral infections among women living with and without HIV. METHODS: Women (aged ≥ 16 years residing in British Columbia) enrolled in the BCC3 Study, a prospective cohort, between 2020 and 2024 were included in the cross-sectional analysis. Self-reported prevalence of six conditions/viruses (chronic kidney disease, liver disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and hepati…

Breastfeeding practices among hepatitis b-infected mothers: a prospective cohort study.

BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2026 · PMID 41749120

BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains a primary route of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China. Despite World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations supporting the safety of breastfeeding under timely immunoprophylaxis, rates among HBV-infected mothers in China remain low. OBJECTIVE: To investigate breastfeeding practices, maternal perceptions, and factors influencing feeding decisions among HBV-infected mothers whose infants received standard immunoprophylaxis. METHODS: Between April 2016…

Vaccines for preventing infections in adults with haematological malignancies.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2025 · PMID 40396505

BACKGROUND: Vaccination aims to prevent infections. People who are immunocompromised, such as those with haematological malignancies, often experience higher immunosuppression, increasing their vulnerability to infections compared to individuals with solid tumours or healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to summarise and evaluate the benefits and risks of vaccines for preventing infections in adults with haematological malignancies. SEARCH METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive systematic search…

Vaccines for preventing infections in adults with solid tumours.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2025 · PMID 40237463

BACKGROUND: Infections are one of the most frequent complications seen in adults with cancer, often arising from the underlying condition or as a result of immunosuppressive treatments. Certain infections (e.g. influenza, pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease) may be prevented through vaccination. However, adults with solid tumours may elicit varying immune responses compared to healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and risks of vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases in adult…

Entecavir for children and adults with chronic hepatitis B.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2025 · PMID 40260837

RATIONALE: Chronic hepatitis B is a major worldwide public health concern. Entecavir, one nucleos(t)ide analogue antiviral therapy option, is recommended as the first-line drug for chronic hepatitis B in many clinical guidelines. However, none of the guideline recommendations are based on the findings of a systematic review with meta-analysis, where entecavir versus no treatment or placebo are compared directly. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of entecavir versus no treatment or placebo in children a…

Utility of mobile applications in the management of hepatitis B: A systematic review.

Gastroenterologia y hepatologia · 2025 · PMID 39983899

Hepatitis B virus is a public health issue, with severe complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer that impose significant economic, emotional, and psychosocial burdens. Despite the availability of a vaccine and oral treatments, effective management of this disease remains a challenge. Telemedicine and mobile applications have the potential to improve the management of chronic diseases; this study examines their utility in hepatitis B. A search was conducted in four databases in November 2024 following the PR…

Global Systematic Review of the Measurement of Stigma Associated With People Living With Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Viruses.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2025 · PMID 40856266

Chronic hepatitis B and C affect over 300 million people globally. Despite treatment advances, stigma towards people living with hepatitis B/C (PLWHB/C) remains a barrier to care and impacts health outcomes. Addressing this stigma is key to achieving hepatitis elimination goals. This systematic review aims to synthesise existing approaches to measuring stigma experienced by PLWHB/C and examine factors associated with stigma in different social contexts. Databases searched included PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Scienc…

Efficacy and Safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction Granules in Treating Mid-advanced Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Primary Liver Cancer Patients with Pi (Spleen)-Deficiency and Dampness-Heat Syndrome.

Chinese journal of integrative medicine · 2025 · PMID 39636494

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction (EZJDD) Granules in treating mid-advanced hepatitis B virus-associated primary liver cancer (HBV-PLC) patients with Pi (Spleen)-deficiency and dampness-heat syndrome. METHODS: From January 2021 to June 2023, a cohort of 132 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group or a EZJDD group according to the random numbers, with 66 patients in each group. The patients in the control group received conventional treatment for 3 months, …

Integrated care management model for liver transplantation: a narrative review and single-center implementation experience.

Translational gastroenterology and hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41675341

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective end-stage liver disease (ESLD) therapeutic intervention. However, in China, many liver transplant recipients lack a comprehensive management approach. This narrative review summarizes the current deficiencies in long-term post-transplant care and proposes a comprehensive model for Integrated Care Management (ICM) aimed at improving long-term outcomes after LT. METHODS: An extensive electronic literature search was performed using PubMed data…

Efficacy and safety of Yangxiao Fukang granule in the treatment of stage Ⅲ hepatitis B related liver cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan · 2025 · PMID 41015811

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is the third major cause of cancer related death, which seriously affects the survival period and quality of life of patients. However, there is currently no evidence to prove which treatment method is most effective. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown certain advantages in the treatment of PLC, especially in the side effects of Western Medicine. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial protocol for the treatment of PLC using TCM granules. Our purpose is to explore the efficacy a…

Impact of Fatigue on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Work Productivity in Chronic Hepatitis B and C: Insights From a Multinational Registry Study.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 42144799

Fatigue in chronic viral hepatitis may be associated with decreased health-related quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We evaluated the relationship between fatigue and PROs in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Patients with CHB and CHC enrolled in the Global Liver Registry completed PRO instruments: FACIT-F, CLDQ (for CHB), CLDQ-HCV (for CHC), and WPAI:SHP. Fatigue was defined as FACIT-F Fatigue Scale (FS) score < 30 (scale range: 0-52). Among 2888 patie…

Meaningful differences in patient-reported outcome measurement scores in liver disease.

Hepatology communications · 2025 · PMID 40434652

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are being used more often in chronic liver disease (CLD) clinical care and research. Their interpretability can be greatly enhanced by establishing the smallest meaningful score difference (MSD). We report scores of commonly used PROMs and their MSDs in patients at different stages of liver disease. METHODS: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 Profile, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) v1.0 sco…

[Chronic HBV infection affects health-related quality of life in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters and postpartum period: a prospective cohort study].

Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University · 2025 · PMID 40415431

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of HBV infection on pre- and postpartum health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pregnant women. METHODS: A prospective matched cohort consisting of 70 HBV-infected and 70 healthy pregnant women was recruited from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between April 17 and September 25, 2023. HRQoL of the participants was assessed at 16-24 weeks of gestation, between 32 weeks and delivery, and 5-13 weeks postpartum. Mixed linear models were used for evaluat…

Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (OHE) After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Journal of clinical and experimental hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41815830

BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), especially overt HE (OHE), is the most common transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) complication, affecting quality of life. Existing noninvasive models have suboptimal predictive performance. AIM: To develop a novel model integrating preoperative and intraoperative indicators to predict post-TIPS OHE. METHODS: We included 455 TIPS patients from three centers (Army Medical Center, Xinqiao Hospital, and West China Hospital) between March 2018 and September 2024…

Chronic Viral Hepatitis With MASLD: Implications for Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42419754

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are common liver diseases. Clinical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of HBV and HCV patients with/without superimposed MASLD were evaluated. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of clinical and PRO (FACIT-Fatigue [FACIT-F], Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire [CLDQ], Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] questionnaire) data from Global Liver Registry, HBV and HC…

Chronic liver disease questionnaire analysis in pregnant women with hepatitis B: a prospective study.

BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2026 · PMID 42151851

BACKGROUND: Although domestic and international guidelines increasingly emphasize preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the multidimensional impacts of HBV infection on pregnant women's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have received insufficient attention. Our previous 1:1 matched cohort study [1] identified HBV infection as an independent risk factor for impaired HRQoL in pregnant women, after adjusting for age, gestational age, and parity. Building upon this foundation, …

Quantitatively Evaluate the Improvement of Functional Cure for the Quality of Life of Chronic Hepatitis B Cases: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in China.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025 · PMID 41154268

Background: Functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can be achieved with appropriate antiviral treatment. However, few studies have evaluated the added benefits of achieving functional cure. We aimed to conduct a quantitative analysis of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of CHB patients who achieved functional cure to provide evidence for economic analysis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in five provinces in China in 2021. The study population was recruited in hospitals and divided into…

Comorbidity Burden and Biologic Access in an Uninsured Psoriasis Population: A 20-Year Descriptive Study.

International journal of dermatology · 2026 · PMID 41609515

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease associated with multiple systemic comorbidities. Biologic therapies have transformed the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis; however, their high cost remains a major barrier for uninsured and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. The Psoriasis Biologics Center for Indigent Patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital provides a structured dermatology access model for underserved populations. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive retrospective cohort s…

Enhancing Chronic Hepatitis B and D Management Through a Tailored Mobile Health Application: Real-World Outcomes From the Adaptation of the NORA App.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 41731678

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatitis D (CHD) remain global health challenges, where sustained care engagement, treatment adherence and regular monitoring are essential but often limited by stigma and healthcare access. Digital health tools offer new opportunities to bridge these gaps. This study aimed to adapt the NORA mobile health app for CHB and CHD patients and evaluate its real-world utility in improving knowledge, adherence, communication and quality of life. We conducted a prospective, comparative study (…

Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B and Liver-Related Complications in The Gambia.

Value in health regional issues · 2026 · PMID 42240545

OBJECTIVES: Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) is poorly studied in Africa despite the high burden of disease. We aimed to assess HRQoL and health utility (HU) across different stages of infection and liver-related disease in The Gambia, West Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and November 2019. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics and inpatient wards. Patients were stratified into 5 disease stages CHB not meeting treatm…

MRI-based machine-learning radiomics of the liver to predict liver-related events in hepatitis B virus-associated fibrosis.

European radiology experimental · 2025 · PMID 40864355

BACKGROUND: The onset of liver-related events (LREs) in fibrosis indicates a poor prognosis and worsens patients' quality of life, making the prediction and early detection of LREs crucial. The aim of this study was to develop a radiomics model using liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict LRE risk in patients undergoing antiviral treatment for chronic fibrosis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). METHODS: Patients with HBV-associated liver fibrosis and liver stiffness measurements ≥ 10 kPa were included. F…

Psychiatric symptoms and necroinflammatory activity in chronic hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study.

BMC infectious diseases · 2025 · PMID 41239311

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are at risk of developing psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue, which may adversely affect quality of life, treatment adherence, and disease outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that these psychological symptoms are influenced not only by psychosocial stressors but also by biological mechanisms related to hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression, anxiety, fatigue, and non-i…

Eligibility for Intramuscular Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine in HIV-Positive Patients: An Observational Study.

The Journal of pharmacy technology : jPT : official publication of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians · 2025 · PMID 40352251

Background: HIV treatment has advanced significantly with the introduction of simpler antiretroviral regimens, but adherence remains a challenge. In this context, the long-acting injectable combination cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) emerges as a promising alternative to improve adherence and quality of life for patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV-1 on antiretroviral therapy (ART) who meet the criteria for the use of intramuscular CAB/RPV. Methods: …

Primary versus systemic sclerosis-associated Raynaud's phenomenon: relationship with clinical and environmental factors.

Clinical and experimental rheumatology · 2025 · PMID 40183325

OBJECTIVES: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) can be induced by stress and environmental factors, occurring as a primary disease (pRP) or associated with connective tissue disease. RP is seen in more than 95% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may precede its diagnosis by several years. Accordingly, there is a clear need to identify those patients with RP who will eventually develop connective tissue disease, including SSc. The aim of this case-control study was to assess the association of SSc-RP versus pRP wit…

Evaluation of Quality of Life and Risk Factors in Patients With Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy Including Those With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Cancer diagnosis & prognosis · 2026 · PMID 42078318

BACKGROUND/AIM: Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is associated with a decline in quality of life (QOL), requiring early detection and intervention. We aimed to determine CHE prevalence, QOL correlations, and risk factors in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. This study evaluated neuropsychological test (NPT) results and QOL in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 56 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized at our institution from January to November 2024 and under…

Comparison of the long-term effects of digestive endoscopy variceal ligation and propranolol in preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Medicine · 2026 · PMID 41731834

This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and propranolol in preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis and class A Child-Pugh scores who received either EVL (n = 51) or propranolol (n = 53) for variceal rebleeding prevention. Baseline characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, variceal rebleeding frequency, complications, quality-of-life…

The Silent Burden of Hepatitis B-Related Stigma.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 42499137

Individuals experiencing stigma related to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection often experience negative self-beliefs, isolation, discrimination, and reduced willingness to engage with healthcare professionals. We aimed to understand the patient perspective of HBV-related stigma and to summarize the patient experience of stigma in a patient-centric conceptual model. Eligible adult participants with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic HBV infection were recruited from the US, China, and Poland. Qualitative, semi-…

Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive umbrella review of meta-analyses.

International journal of surgery (London, England) · 2026 · PMID 41208807

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and assess the existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatments in patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DESIGN: An umbrella review encompassing current meta-analyses reporting clinical effectiveness or safety outcomes of ICIs. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Systematic Reviews Database, and reviewed reference sections of relevant research articles. STUDY SELECTION: We included all systematic revi…

The incidence of spontaneous HBsAg loss in patients with different baseline HBsAg levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hepatology international · 2026 · PMID 41686332

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is an ideal treatment end point in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), linked to improved clinical outcomes. Baseline HBsAg level is a key predictor, but pooled evidence on the annual incidence of spontaneous HBsAg clearance in untreated CHB patients, stratified by baseline HBsAg levels, is lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify this incidence. METHODS: Six databases were searched for cohort studies and randomized trials …

Efficacy and safety of clipping prior to cyanoacrylate embolization in gastric varices: a single-arm systematic review and meta-analysis.

Surgical endoscopy · 2026 · PMID 42377512

BACKGROUND: Gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Cyanoacrylate injection is the standard endoscopic treatment that carries a significant risk of ectopic embolization, particularly in patients with gastrorenal shunts. Adding endoscopic clips before injection may enhance safety and efficacy, yet evidence remains limited. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of clip-assisted cyanoacrylate injection (clip-ECI). METHODOLOGY: A systematic search was conducted o…

First-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials with overall and HBV/HCV-stratified efficacy and safety.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42220514

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the front-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the comparative efficacy and safety of different ICI-based regimens-and their consistency across etiologic subgroups [HBV, HCV, and non-HBV/non-HCV (NBNC)]-remain uncertain. This study conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the first-line immunotherapy strategies both overall and by viral etiology. METHODS…

Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Chronic Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Journal of medical Internet research · 2026 · PMID 42263266

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases account for most global morbidity and mortality, increasing the need for effective long-term self-care support. Digital health interventions, such as mobile apps, telemonitoring, and connected devices, are increasingly used to promote self-care; yet, their overall effectiveness across chronic conditions remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether digital health interventions improve self-care in adults with chronic diseases. METHODS: We searche…

TNF-α Inhibitors and HBV Reactivation Risk in HBsAg-/Anti-HBc+ Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · 2026 · PMID 41623121

BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are integral in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases but may precipitate hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ patients. APASL guidance presumes a greater risk with higher-potency agents, but the evidence is limited and conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether TNF-α inhibitor potency alters HBVr risk in HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ individuals and to identify predictors. METHODS: PubMed, Embase…

Comparative analysis of different treatment modalities for management of cutaneous warts: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Medicine · 2026 · PMID 41686619

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous warts are exophytic, benign proliferative lesions caused by human papillomavirus infection of basal keratinocytes. Many intralesional immunomodulatory agents are used by dermatologists these days including Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, purified protein derivative (PPD), Candida extract, vitamin D3, interferon alpha, zinc sulphate, and hepatitis B vaccine. Intralesional acyclovir is considered a novel intralesional therapy for warts as it directly destroys the…

External Validation of the GOLDEN Model for Predicting HBsAg Loss in Noncirrhotic Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Interferon-Alpha-Based Therapy.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2026 · PMID 40562289

BACKGROUND & AIMS: GOLDEN model is designed to predict hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss based on patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy. We aimed to validate GOLDEN model's effectiveness in predicting HBsAg loss or decline in interferon-α-treated patients with CHB. METHODS: Interferon-α-treated patients were enrolled from EXCEL study, a randomized controlled trial that included hepatitis B e antigen-positive, noncirrhotic, treatment-naive patients with CHB, and Sea…

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) revaccination in MSM who were born in the nationwide neonatal HBV vaccination era: A randomized clinical trial.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · 2026 · PMID 41448530

OBJECTIVES: Waning immunity and reduced vaccine effectiveness among people with HIV (PWH) raise concerns about optimal HBV revaccination dosing. This study compared double-dose versus standard-dose HBV revaccination among men who have sex with men (MSM) born in the neonatal HBV vaccination era in Taiwan. METHODS: In this multicenter randomized trial, 526 participants negative for all HBV seromarkers received either standard-dose (20 µg) or double-dose (40 µg) aluminum-adjuvanted recombinant vaccine at Weeks 0, 4, a…

Comparative efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based regimens versus tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma stratified by etiology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

International journal of clinical oncology · 2026 · PMID 41701457

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with limited treatment success in advanced stages. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as sorafenib and lenvatinib, are the first-line treatments; however, their modest survival benefits and toxicity require better alternatives. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise; however, direct comparisons between ICI-based regimens and TKIs, particularly those stratified by hepatocellular carcinoma (H…

Natural history of chronic hepatitis B in untreated adults without cirrhosis according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41839199

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects an estimated 254 million people globally. Historically, WHO and professional society guidelines have recommended treatment for individuals at high risk of disease progression, including those with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA concentrations >20 000 IU/mL. Whether individuals at lower risk, including those with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL and normal alanine aminotransferase concentrations, benefit from treatment remains uncertain. To inform 2024 WHO guidelines and the potential…

Efficacy of antiviral therapy in adults with chronic hepatitis B according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41839198

BACKGROUND: In the 2015 WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), antiviral therapy was recommended for individuals with cirrhosis and individuals without cirrhosis with persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA >20 000 IU/mL, whereas treatment was deferred for individuals with persistently normal ALT concentrations and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL. To inform 2024 WHO guidelines on CHB and the potential expansion of treatment threshold recommendations, we conduct…

Interventions to increase vaccine uptake among socially excluded groups: A systematic review.

Vaccine · 2026 · PMID 41666790

BACKGROUND: There are known inequalities in vaccine uptake and the distribution of vaccine-preventable diseases. Understanding the best ways to increase vaccine uptake among socially excluded groups is vital to reduce these inequalities. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of interventions to increase vaccine uptake among socially excluded groups. METHODS: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies of interventions. Studies were eligible if they evaluated an intervention to inc…

Efficacy and Safety of Switching from Entecavir to Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Multicenter Randomized Trial in Korea.

Gut and liver · 2026 · PMID 42015653

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to entecavir (ETV) in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching to TAF compared with maintaining ETV in patients with CHB who had achieved virologic suppression on ETV. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, noninferiority clinical trial conducted at 13 Korean centers, 196 CHB patients who had experienced virologic suppression aft…

[Clinical study on the efficacy of Wuling capsules combined with nucleos(t)ide analogues in the treatment of low-level viremia patients with chronic hepatitis B].

Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42373438

Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Wuling capsules combined with nucleos(t)ide analogues in the treatment of low-level viremia in chronic hepatitis B. Methods: A randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted. One hundred patients with low-level viremia in chronic hepatitis B admitted between December 2021 and March 2024 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 cases in each group. The experimental group received nucleos(t…

Efficacy of dolutegravir/lamivudine in adults with HIV-1 and isolated reactive hepatitis B core antibody: Insights from Phase 3/3b study results.

HIV medicine · 2026 · PMID 41992416

OBJECTIVES: As two-drug HIV-1 antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens become standard, data gaps remain concerning their safety and efficacy among people with isolated reactive hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc). Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) versus three- or four-drug regimens (3DRs/4DRs) among people with HIV-1 and isolated reactive anti-HBc. METHODS: Data were evaluated from GEMINI-1, GEMINI-2, STAT, TANGO and SALSA at various time points, including Weeks 48, 96…

Utility of Serum Biomarkers in Addition to Ultrasound for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Gastroenterology · 2026 · PMID 41556856

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is key to early diagnosis and timely curative treatment. Current strategies are suboptimal with many patients presenting with advanced HCC. This randomized controlled trial compared the combined use of serum biomarker (BM) measurements and abdominal ultrasound (US) with US alone for the diagnosis of early-stage HCC. METHODS: Adults with cirrhosis or high-risk hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were randomized (1:1) to biannual surveillance with US alone …

Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Infection on the Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer in the KEYNOTE-966 Study.

Cancer research communications · 2026 · PMID 41757470

PURPOSE: In the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-966 trial, first-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival (OS) versus placebo plus chemotherapy for participants with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). This post hoc analysis investigated whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affected the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible participants had histologically confirmed extrahepatic or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder can…

Vaccine-Induced Anti-HBs Response is Associated with Protection Against Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Trial.

Transplantation and cellular therapy · 2026 · PMID 42150672

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a well-recognized complication in patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Although HBV DNA-guided preemptive nucleos(t)ide analog therapy prevents HBV-related hepatitis, strategies to prevent HBV reactivation itself remain limited. Hepatitis B vaccination after allo-HCT has been suggested as a potential preventive strategy, but prospective randomized evidence is lacking. To evaluate whether hepatitis B (HepB) v…

Optimising DTwP-containing vaccine infant immunisation schedules in Uganda and Nepal (OptImms): two open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trials.

The Lancet. Infectious diseases · 2026 · PMID 41865748

BACKGROUND: Few data are available comparing the WHO diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine schedule with reduced-dose or delayed three-dose schedules in infants. We aimed to identify an alternative schedule that is non-inferior or superior to the WHO schedule in maintaining early pertussis antibody levels before booster, while creating space for integration of new vaccines. METHODS: In two parallel, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trials in Uganda and Nepal, healthy infants aged 42-50 days w…

Phase 3 Results of Bepirovirsen Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection.

The New England journal of medicine · 2026 · PMID 42206582

BACKGROUND: Treatment with bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcripts, has the potential to result in a functional cure, defined by at least 24 weeks of a sustained HBV DNA level below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss after fixed-duration therapy. METHODS: In two replicate, double-blind trials (B-Well 1 and B-Well 2), we randomly assigned adults with noncirrhotic chronic HBV infection in a 2:1 ratio to receive subcuta…

Switch to fixed-dose doravirine (100 mg) and islatravir (0·25 mg) once daily in virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 on oral antiretroviral therapy: 48-week results of a phase 3, multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial.

Lancet (London, England) · 2026 · PMID 41654374

BACKGROUND: Doravirine and islatravir is an investigational, once-daily, single-tablet regimen containing two potent antiretrovirals with complementary mechanisms of action and resistance profiles. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching from stable, oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) to the fixed combination of doravirine (100 mg) and islatravir (0·25 mg) in virologically suppressed adults living with HIV-1. METHODS: This phase 3, randomised, active-controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial wa…

Novel HBV Biomarkers-Guided NAs Withdrawal Strategy Promotes HBsAg Clearance in Asian CHB Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2026 · PMID 40953786

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NAs) discontinuation promotes hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance among European patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The efficacy and safety of a novel HBV biomarker-guided NAs withdrawal strategy among Asian patients was evaluated in this multicenter randomized controlled trial. METHODS: NAs-experienced patients achieving HBsAg <200 IU/mL and undetectable HBV DNA for ≥12 months with HBV RNA or hepatitis core-related antigen undetectable were…

Short-cycle 4-days-per-week maintenance two-drug therapy in people living with HIV (ANRS-177 DUETTO): a randomised, open-label, multicentre, non-inferiority trial.

The lancet. HIV · 2026 · PMID 42140217

BACKGROUND: Previous trials have validated the strategy of short-cycle three-drug (triple) antiretroviral therapy for HIV treatment. The main objective of ANRS-177 DUETTO was to assess whether a two-drug (dual) regimen taken on 4 consecutive days per week (4/7-days) was virologically non-inferior to standard dual therapy regimen taken 7 days per week (7/7-days) in participants with HIV and sustained viral suppression. METHODS: This open-label, randomised, parallel, multicentre, non-inferiority trial enrolled adults…

Efficacy and safety of entecavir, peginterferon alfa-2b and GM-CSF combination therapy: the anchor randomized controlled trial.

Hepatology international · 2026 · PMID 41366186

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Functional cure is considered the advanced treatment goal for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to evaluate hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss rates after combination treatment of entecavir (ETV) and peginterferon alfa-2b (Peg-IFN) with or without granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, virally suppressed patients undergoing nucleos(t)ide analogs with HBsAg < 3000 IU/mL were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either …

Efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide versus tenofovir disoproxil in chronic hepatitis b: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BMC infectious diseases · 2026 · PMID 42410542

BACKGROUND: In treating Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) carries risks like renal toxicity and reduced bone mineral density (BMD). TAF, the next-generation prodrug of TFV, is more stable in plasma than TDF, requires a significantly lower dose (25 mg vs. 300 mg), and results in approximately 90% lower plasma TFV levels, contributing to a more favorable renal and bone safety profile. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) compared to …

Efficacy of NAs in combination with Peg-IFN for functional cure in patients with CHB: a meta-analysis of RCTs.

Annals of medicine · 2026 · PMID 41777119

BACKGROUND: The goal of treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to achieve functional cure. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of nucleoside (acid) analogues (NAs) and pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) on the functional cure of CHB patients at the EOT and at the EOF. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched systematically up to March 15, 2025. Sixteen RCTs on CHB patients receiving combination or monotherapy were included. RESULT: Compared with NAs treatment, the NAs combined with Peg-I…

Efficacy and Safety of Switching from Entecavir to Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Multicenter Randomized Trial in Korea.

Gut and liver · 2026 · PMID 42015653

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to entecavir (ETV) in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching to TAF compared with maintaining ETV in patients with CHB who had achieved virologic suppression on ETV. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, noninferiority clinical trial conducted at 13 Korean centers, 196 CHB patients who had experienced virologic suppression aft…

Vaccine-Induced Anti-HBs Response is Associated with Protection Against Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Trial.

Transplantation and cellular therapy · 2026 · PMID 42150672

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a well-recognized complication in patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Although HBV DNA-guided preemptive nucleos(t)ide analog therapy prevents HBV-related hepatitis, strategies to prevent HBV reactivation itself remain limited. Hepatitis B vaccination after allo-HCT has been suggested as a potential preventive strategy, but prospective randomized evidence is lacking. To evaluate whether hepatitis B (HepB) v…

Switching to besifovir in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: A randomized trial.

Clinical and molecular hepatology · 2025 · PMID 39828249

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Besifovir (BSV) showed comparable antiviral activity and superior safety profiles to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, no data are available regarding the antiviral efficacy and safety of BSV in patients with CHB who switched from long-term TDF to BSV. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of a 48-week BSV therapy in patients with CHB who switched from long-term TDF treatment. METHODS: In this non-inferiority trial, 153 CHB patients treate…

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in asymptomatic blood donors in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England) · 2026 · PMID 42538138

Viral hepatitis remains a serious risk to transfusion safety, despite being considerably reduced by donor screening. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among asymptomatic blood donors in Saudi Arabia in the past 15 years (2010-2025). A literature search has been conducted on seven databases. Prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled via a random effects model. Twelve studies, examining 597 820 blood donors, were included in this study. The over…

Efficacy and Safety of Pegylated Interferon as Rescue Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Who Failed to Achieve Functional Cure After Antisense Oligonucleotides or Small Interfering RNA: A Prospective, Multicentre, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial (SPHERE) Protocol.

Advances in therapy · 2026 · PMID 42176181

INTRODUCTION: Although novel targeted therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) can rapidly reduce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), only a subset of patients can achieve HBsAg seroclearance, and recurrence is common after discontinuation. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequencing pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) as rescue therapy for patients who have not achieved functional cure after initial therapy with ASO or siRNA. METHODS: This is a pr…

B/F/TAF in people with both HIV-1 and hepatitis B: outcomes from the ALLIANCE open-label extension phase.

AIDS research and therapy · 2026 · PMID 42464361

BACKGROUND: Data on bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in people with both HIV-1 and HBV are limited, particularly for treatment-experienced people. METHODS: ALLIANCE was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 3 study of B/F/TAF versus dolutegravir (DTG) + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) in treatment-naïve adults with HIV-1 RNA ≥ 500 copies/mL and HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL. Participants received continuous B/F/TAF through 144 weeks (≥ 96 weeks of blinded treatment…

PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as part of combination strategies toward functional cure of chronic hepatitis B.

Frontiers in immunology · 2026 · PMID 42495600

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects 260 million people worldwide. Despite advances in antiviral therapies, functional cure, characterized by sustained loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and durable viral control after treatment cessation, remains infrequent. The PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathway plays an important role in the exhaustion of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cells, thereby limiting the immune system's ability to clear HBV. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has emerged as a promising strategy…

Twenty-four-week anti-PD-1 antibody regimen promoted HBsAg reduction and concurrently enhanced HBV-specific T cell responses in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Gut · 2026 · PMID 41443982

BACKGROUND: PD-1 blockade has emerged as a promising approach for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of anti-PD-1 antibody (αPD-1), as well as its impact on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and immune responses in a larger cohort of CHB patients. DESIGN: In this prospective, open-label study, virally suppressed patients with CHB on nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) were assigned to receive either 24-week NA monotherapy (n=62) or αPD-1 (half-dose sin…

Predicting Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Major Liver Resection: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Annals of surgical oncology · 2026 · PMID 42045725

BACKGROUND: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, reliable predictive models for PHLF in patients undergoing major hepatectomy remain limited. This study aimed to predict PHLF using clinical factors and to evaluate its impact on short- and long-term outcomes for patients with HCC undergoing major liver resection. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included 1037 patients undergoing liver resection exceeding sectio…

Assessing the impact of pharmacist-led antiretroviral stewardship In community hospitals on antiretroviral-related medication errors.

American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists · 2026 · PMID 41689280

PURPOSE: Antiretroviral stewardship programs have been recommended by several organizations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, to minimize medication errors that may adversely affect people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To date, the role of antiretroviral stewardship has largely been studied in tertiary or quaternary care medical centers with dedicated infectious diseases pharmacists, complex patient populations, and robust clinical laboratory services. Thus, limited data are a…

Safety and efficacy of libevitug in patients with chronic hepatitis B and D virus coinfection: A single-center, open-label, phase IIa trial in China.

Hepatology communications · 2026 · PMID 42486799

BACKGROUND: Chronic HBV and HDV coinfection represents the most severe form of viral hepatitis. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of libevitug (HH-003), a novel human monoclonal antibody targeting the PreS1 domain of the HBV large envelope protein, in patients with chronic HBV and HDV coinfection. METHODS: This single-center, open-label, proof-of-concept phase IIa clinical trial enrolled 9 participants who received i.v. infusion of 20 mg/kg libevitug every 2 weeks for 24 weeks, followed by a 24-wee…

Immunogenicity and safety of a 2 + 1 schedule of the DTaP-IPV-HB-Hib hexavalent combination vaccine in preterm infants in Spain.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics · 2026 · PMID 42359964

Preterm infants are at higher risk of mortality, disabilities, and infections. Hexavalent DTaP-IPV-HB-Hib vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b are standards of care in pediatric immunization. Evidence on the use of these vaccines in preterm infants remains limited, particularly in extreme preterms. This open-label, multicenter, non-randomized phase IV trial conducted in Spain evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a 2 + 1 schedule of the …

Hepatitis B Outcomes After Switching to Long-Acting Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine in People With HIV: Reactivation, Incident Infection, and Liver Safety Across Diverse Serological Profiles.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America · 2026 · PMID 41539988

BACKGROUND: Long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) therapy for HIV, lacks activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). We evaluate HBV serological profiles and risk of HBV reactivation (HBVr) or incident infection (HBVi) in people with HIV (PWH) switching to LA-CAB/RPV. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of PWH initiating LA-CAB/RPV at Hospital Clínic Barcelona between February/2023 and February/2025. HBV serology, vaccination status, and liver function tests (LFTs) were assessed at baseline. Follow-up LFTs …

Tenofovir alafenamide prevents HBV reactivation in anticancer/immunosuppression: 24-month multicentre prospective study.

The Journal of infection · 2026 · PMID 41763570

OBJECTIVE: Our prior interim report remains the only prospective study evaluating tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for HBV reactivation prevention, with prophylaxis assessed up to 12 months. Herein, we report the final 24-month follow-up results. METHODS: This multicentre prospective-study enrolled HBV carriers who received prophylactic TAF before antineoplastic or immunosuppressive therapy and patients with resolved HBV infection who developed reactivation and received TAF as reactivation-related hepatitis prophylaxis.…

Prevalence of renal and bone risk factors and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment among patients with chronic hepatitis B in the United States.

Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy · 2026 · PMID 42424106

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can lead to serious health complications. Patients with CHB often have a higher burden of extrahepatic comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (OP) compared with the general population. Understanding the burden of these comorbidities in those with CHB may facilitate the development of strategies to better support patients and guide treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate demographic characteristics and prevalence of CKD, OP, and establ…

Real-World Safety and Effectiveness of Cabotegravir in People Living with HIV: Interim Report of a Post-marketing Surveillance in Japan.

Advances in therapy · 2026 · PMID 42461573

INTRODUCTION: Cabotegravir (CAB) is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor and the first long-acting injectable antiretroviral agent for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), administered with rilpivirine. Because approval in Japan relied largely on overseas and international collaborative trials, domestic real-world evidence remains limited. This study evaluated the real-world safety and effectiveness of CAB in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Japan. METHODS: This interim analysis (June 27, 2022 and June 17, 2025) …

Comparative effectiveness of antiviral therapy according to immune status among pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a retrospective cohort study.

The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians · 2026 · PMID 41942346

PURPOSE: This study evaluates phase-specific antiviral efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in pregnant women with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, comparing immune-tolerant (IT), inactive carrier (IC), and their corresponding gray zone (GZ-A, GZ-C). Perinatal outcomes and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) risks were also assessed across these phases. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 717 pregnant women with HBV infection from Nanjing, China (2021-2023) were stratified into IT (n = 317), IC (n = …

Survival Outcome Was Better with Liver Resection than with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Very Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research · 2026 · PMID 41660702

BACKGROUND: Antiviral therapies for hepatitis B or C virus may be associated with reduced risk of tumor recurrence and mortality of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing curative treatments, compared to untreated patients. Previous studies comparing survival outcomes between percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and liver resection (LR) for treating patients with very early-stage HCC did not evaluate the effects of antiviral treatments on survival outcome. Our study aimed to clarify this issu…

[Analysis of the efficacy and survival outcomes of plasma exchange combined with dual plasma molecular adsorption system therapy in liver failure].

Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42503912

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and prognostic impact of plasma exchange (PE) combined with dual plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS) therapy in patients with liver failure (LF). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. Data from patients with LF admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Anhui Provincial Hospital, from April 2018 to July 2024 were included. Patients were divided into a PE group and a PE+DPMAS group according to the treatment modality. Propensity score matching w…

Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer patients with hepatitis B surface antigen positivity: a real-world cohort study.

Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) · 2026 · PMID 42531850

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy and hepatic safety of first-line chemoimmunotherapy in lung cancer patients according to baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status, and explored whether baseline anti-HBs level was associated with outcomes among HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive lung cancer patients who received first-line chemoimmunotherapy between June 1, 2019 and July 31, 2024. Patients wer…

Are children with inborn errors of metabolism and cystic fibrosis adequately protected? Immunization status and seroepidemiological evaluation of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM · 2026 · PMID 42129590

OBJECTIVES: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are rare genetic disorders associated with increased vulnerability to infections and risk of metabolic decompensation. Although routine immunization is recommended, data on real-world vaccination status, seroprotection rates, and vaccine safety in children with IEMs remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate immunization status, antigen-specific seroprotection rates, determinants of seronegativity, and vaccine safety in a cohort of children with IEMs. METHODS: This s…

Burden, Management, and Outcome of Needle-Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Cureus · 2026 · PMID 42534142

Introduction Needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs), exposing them to blood-borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite existing prevention protocols, NSIs remain common in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the burden, management, and outcomes of NSIs among HCWs at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted…

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Core Antibody Seropositivity: Effects of Preemptive Therapy.

Experimental and clinical transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation · 2026 · PMID 42538702

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B virus reactivation, particularly when occurring under immunosuppressive therapy, poses a risk for patients with chronic or resolved hepatitis B virus infections. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical outcomes of hepatitis B virus reactivation in kidney transplant recipients with resolved hepatitis B virus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively screened patients who underwent kidney transplant between 2012 and 2023 seen at our center (Izmir, Türkiye ). We inclu…

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) revaccination in MSM who were born in the nationwide neonatal HBV vaccination era: A randomized clinical trial.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · 2026 · PMID 41448530

OBJECTIVES: Waning immunity and reduced vaccine effectiveness among people with HIV (PWH) raise concerns about optimal HBV revaccination dosing. This study compared double-dose versus standard-dose HBV revaccination among men who have sex with men (MSM) born in the neonatal HBV vaccination era in Taiwan. METHODS: In this multicenter randomized trial, 526 participants negative for all HBV seromarkers received either standard-dose (20 µg) or double-dose (40 µg) aluminum-adjuvanted recombinant vaccine at Weeks 0, 4, a…

Efficacy and safety of GLS4 with entecavir vs entecavir alone in chronic hepatitis B patients: A multicenter clinical trial.

The Journal of infection · 2025 · PMID 39988055

OBJECTIVES: GLS4 is a first-in-class hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulator that inhibits HBV replication by interfering with assembly and disassembly of the virus nucleocapsid, this prospective, open-label, comparative, phase 2b trial evaluated the antiviral activity and safety of GLS4/ritonavir (RTV) combined with entecavir in hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients. METHODS: 250 CHB patients were enrolled, including treatment-naïve patients and those interrupted anti-HBV drugs for ≥ 6 months (Part A, …

PegIFN alpha-2a reduces relapse in HBeAg-negative patients after nucleo(s)tide analogue cessation: A randomized-controlled trial.

Journal of hepatology · 2025 · PMID 39094743

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nucleo(s)tide analogue (NUC) cessation can lead to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance but also a high rate of virological relapse. However, the effect of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PegIFN-α-2a) on virological relapse after NUC cessation is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of switching from NUC to PegIFN-α-2a treatment for 48 weeks on virological relapse up to week 96. METHODS: In this multicenter randomized-controlled clinical trial, 180 non-cirrhotic pat…

Comprehensive Interventions in HBV Care: Nursing-Sensitive Approach.

Gynecologic and obstetric investigation · 2025 · PMID 39820185

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive intervention using nursing-sensitive quality indicators on pregnant women with hepatitis B and their newborns. DESIGN: A randomized controlled monocentric trial was conducted from January 2020 to May 2022. Participants/Materials: 80 pregnant women diagnosed with hepatitis B were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 40) or an experimental group (n = 40). The experimental group received care-sensitive quality indicators …

Eight-year efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide for treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: Final results from two randomised phase 3 trials.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2024 · PMID 39327857

BACKGROUND: In two phase 3 studies, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) showed non-inferior efficacy versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), with more favourable renal and bone safety in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). AIMS: Here, we report the studies' final 8-year results. METHODS: CHB patients (hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-negative and HBeAg-positive) were randomised (2:1) to double-blind TAF 25 mg/day or TDF 300 mg/day for up to 3 years, followed by open-label (OL) TAF through year 8. Virological, biochem…

Tenofovir alafenamide for prevention of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients undergoing rituximab-based chemotherapy: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Hepatology communications · 2025 · PMID 41335575

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Immunosuppression can cause hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, leading to severe outcomes in patients with "resolved" HBV infection. This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of preemptive antiviral therapy in HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients receiving rituximab-based chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:1 to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/placebo across 3 phases: chemotherapy plus TAF/placebo (phase 1), TA…

Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Infection on the Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer in the KEYNOTE-966 Study.

Cancer research communications · 2026 · PMID 41757470

PURPOSE: In the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-966 trial, first-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival (OS) versus placebo plus chemotherapy for participants with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). This post hoc analysis investigated whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affected the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible participants had histologically confirmed extrahepatic or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder can…

Vaccine-Induced Anti-HBs Response is Associated with Protection Against Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Trial.

Transplantation and cellular therapy · 2026 · PMID 42150672

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a well-recognized complication in patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Although HBV DNA-guided preemptive nucleos(t)ide analog therapy prevents HBV-related hepatitis, strategies to prevent HBV reactivation itself remain limited. Hepatitis B vaccination after allo-HCT has been suggested as a potential preventive strategy, but prospective randomized evidence is lacking. To evaluate whether hepatitis B (HepB) v…

Novel HBV Biomarkers-Guided NAs Withdrawal Strategy Promotes HBsAg Clearance in Asian CHB Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2026 · PMID 40953786

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NAs) discontinuation promotes hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance among European patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The efficacy and safety of a novel HBV biomarker-guided NAs withdrawal strategy among Asian patients was evaluated in this multicenter randomized controlled trial. METHODS: NAs-experienced patients achieving HBsAg <200 IU/mL and undetectable HBV DNA for ≥12 months with HBV RNA or hepatitis core-related antigen undetectable were…

Relieving effect of jiao-tune of 5-element music on negative emotions in patients with decompensated hepatitis B virus cirrhosis: A randomized and controlled experiment study.

Medicine · 2024 · PMID 39287243

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are common in patients with decompensated hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the relieving effects of the jiao-tune of 5-element music on negative emotions in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis. METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated into the control group (standard nursing care) and the jiao-tune group (standard nursing care plus a 2-month course of music therapy with the jiao-tune of 5-element music). The negative emotions of patients w…

Long-Term Treatment With Tenofovir Alafenamide for Chronic Hepatitis B Results in High Rates of Viral Suppression and Favorable Renal and Bone Safety.

The American journal of gastroenterology · 2024 · PMID 37561058

INTRODUCTION: The results from 2 phase 3 studies, through 2 years, in chronic hepatitis B infection showed tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) had similar efficacy to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with superior renal and bone safety. We report updated results through 5 years. METHODS: Patients with HBeAg-negative or HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection with or without compensated cirrhosis were randomized (2:1) to TAF 25 mg or TDF 300 mg once daily in double-blind (DB) fashion for up to 3 years, followed by o…

The small interfering RNA imdusiran as single and multiple doses in healthy, randomised individuals and non-randomised individuals with chronic hepatitis B (AB-729-001): a phase 1a/b trial.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42173110

BACKGROUND: Functional cure of chronic hepatitis B requires a sustained loss of HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, which is unlikely with current therapies. We aimed to investigate the safety, antiviral activity, and anti-HBV immune responses of the N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated, small interfering RNA imdusiran, a therapeutic strategy designed to reduce viral antigens on the path to achieving immune control. METHODS: AB-729-001 was a phase 1a/b trial conducted at 11 centres and hospitals: three in Australia,…

A multicenter randomized-controlled trial of nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.

Journal of hepatology · 2023 · PMID 37062574

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) are the standard and mostly lifelong treatment for chronic HBeAg-negative hepatitis B, as functional cure (loss of HBsAg) is rarely achieved. Discontinuation of NUC treatment may lead to functional cure; however, to date, the evidence for this has been based on small or non-randomized clinical trials. The STOP-NUC trial was designed with the aim of increasing the HBsAg loss rate using a NUC treatment interruption approach. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized-co…

ALG-000184 (pevifoscorvir sodium) monotherapy in participants with chronic HBV infection: a phase 1, multicentre, randomised, dose escalation trial.

The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2026 · PMID 41554267

BACKGROUND: ALG-000184 (pevifoscorvir sodium) is a prodrug of the class-E (empty) capsid assembly modulator (CAM), ALG-001075. CAM-Es prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication by inhibiting capsid assembly and pregenomic RNA encapsidation and preventing covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) establishment. This part of the study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and short-term antiviral activity of ALG-000184 in participants with HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection to…

Pien Tze Huang plus entecavir improves hepatic fibrosis in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2025 · PMID 40318534

BACKGROUND: Pien Tze Huang (PTH), a well-established traditional Chinese medicine compound, has exhibited anti-hepatic fibrosis properties both in vitro and in vivo animal models, but the randomized clinical trials to evaluate anti-hepatic fibrosis efficacy of PTH are deficient. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a leading cause of hepatic fibrosis in China. Although antiviral therapies have demonstrated significant effectiveness in arresting the progression of fibrotic disease, complete regression of established fibrosi…

JNJ-73763989 and bersacapavir treatment in nucleos(t)ide analogue-suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B: REEF-2.

Journal of hepatology · 2024 · PMID 38583491

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) requires finite treatment. Two agents under investigation with the goal of achieving functional cure are the small-interfering RNA JNJ-73763989 (JNJ-3989) and the capsid assembly modulator JNJ-56136379 (JNJ-6379; bersacapavir). METHODS: REEF-2, a phase IIb, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, enrolled 130 nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-suppressed hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with CHB who received JNJ-3989 (200 mg subcut…

Hepatic flares, their immune signatures, and ALT variability after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in HBeAg-negative hepatitis B.

JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology · 2026 · PMID 42067192

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic flares frequently occur after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) cessation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and can be beneficial ('good flares') or harmful ('bad flares'). We characterised flares after NA cessation aiming to identify predictors and immunological correlates of good and bad flares. METHODS: This study was nested in the prospective Nuc-Stop study, in which 127 patients with e-antigen negative CHB discontinued NA treatment with a 36-month follow-up. Flares were defined as…

Multiple Low-Level Viraemia Suggest Hindered Liver Fibrosis Regression in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients During Antiviral Therapy.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2024 · PMID 39373164

Low-level viraemia (LLV) occurs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients despite antiviral treatment, which may cause failed histological regression. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of different LLV types on fibrosis regression. The prospective study enrolled CHB patients with paired liver biopsies before and after 260 weeks of entecavir treatment. Fibrosis regression was defined by the Ishak score or P-I-R system. Patients were grouped as the SVR (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL persistently) or LLV (HBV DNA between 20 …

Addition of PEG-interferon to long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy enhances HBsAg decline and clearance in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: Multicentre Randomized Trial (PAS Study).

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2024 · PMID 38243144

We studied whether 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a add-on increases HBsAg-decline and clearance in HBeAg-negative patients on long-term nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) therapy. In this investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled trial conducted in Europe and Canada, HBeAg-negative patients treated with NA > 12 months, with HBVDNA < 200 IU/mL, were enrolled. Patients were randomized 2:1 to 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a add-on (180 μg per week) or continued NA-monotherapy with subsequent follow-up to Week 72. Endpoints were…

Therapeutic effects of reduced glutathione on liver function, fibrosis, and HBV DNA clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients.

BMC gastroenterology · 2025 · PMID 39920583

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic impact of reduced glutathione combined with entecavir on liver function, fibrosis, and HBV-DNA clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. This study included 90 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, who were randomly divided into two groups (observation group and control group) using a random number table, with 45 patients in each group. The control group received standard entecavir treatment (0.5 mg/time, once a day, con…

Efficacy of Antiviral Prophylaxis up to 6 or 12 Months From Completion of Rituximab in Resolved Hepatitis B Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized Study.

Journal of Korean medical science · 2023 · PMID 37463687

BACKGROUND: Rituximab occasionally induces reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with resolved HBV, at times with fatal consequences. The optimal duration of prophylactic antiviral therapy in this situation is unclear. We aimed to investigate the difference in HBV reactivation according to the duration of prophylactic tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with resolved HBV and receiving rituximab. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, prospective study was conducted in hepatitis B …

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Intercepting Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus.

Acta medica Okayama · 2024 · PMID 38688828

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), especially in Asia, is a key target in the global elimination of HBV. This study assessed the effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in pregnant women for mother-to-infant transmission of HBV. A total of 122 pregnant women at our hospital met the inclusion criteria for high HBV DNA viral loads. They were randomly divided into TDF-treatment (n=70) and placebo (n=52) groups. Maternal liver function and serum HBV DNA load were tested before and after treatment.…

Comparison of Pharmacokinetics of the GalNAc-Conjugated Antisense Oligonucleotide GSK3389404 in Participants with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection across the Asia-Pacific Region.

Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy · 2023 · PMID 36507675

GSK3389404, an N-acetyl galactosamine-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), was in clinical development for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment. Few studies have examined ASOs in Asian participants. In this analysis, the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of GSK3389404 were characterized and compared in patients with CHB across the Asia-Pacific region (N = 64), including mainland China (n = 16), Hong Kong (n = 8), Japan (n = 21), South Korea (n = 12), Singapore (n = 4), and the Philippines (n = 3), from a phase 2a,…

Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Reduces Virological Replication in HBeAg-Negative Patients With Normal Alanine Aminotransferase: A 48-Week Randomised Controlled Trial.

Journal of viral hepatitis · 2026 · PMID 41608776

The optimal strategy for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients with negative hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) treatment in this patient population. This prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial enrolled HBeAg-negative patients with normal ALT and randomised them 1:1 to either the treatment group (TAF) or the control group (no treatment). The p…

Enhancing Hepatitis B and C Prevention Among People Who Use Drugs: Evaluating an Educational Intervention at a Drop-In Center in Southwest Iran based on Protection Motivation Theory.

BMC public health · 2025 · PMID 41126184

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse, particularly injection drug use, remains a significant public health challenge in Iran, where an estimated 2 million people use illicit drugs daily. Injection drug users are at high risk for bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B and C, which contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in this population. Understanding individual factors that influence risky behaviors through frameworks like the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is essential for effective prevention. This st…