Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus dual infection

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common mode of transmission and both are able to induce a chronic infection. Dual HBV/HCV chronic coinfection is a fairly frequent occurrence, especially in high endemic areas and among individuals at high risk of parenterally transmitted infections. The intracellular interplay between HBV and HCV has not yet been sufficiently clarified, also due to the lack of a proper in vitro cellular model. Longitudinal evaluation of serum HBV DNA and HCV RNA amounts has revealed that complex virological profiles may be present in coinfected patients. Dual HBV/HCV infection has been associated to a severe course of the liver disease and to a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the clinical importance, solid evidence and clear guidelines for treatment of this special population are still lacking. This review summarizes the available data on the virological and clinical features as well as the therapeutic options of the dual HBV/HCV infection, and highlights the aspects that need to be better clarified.

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

“…1,171,172 Therefore, all chronic HBV patients should be screened for HCV as well as for other blood bourne viruses. 1,171,173 With the advent of effective DAA therapy, uptake of antiviral therapy for HCV is increasing rapidly. Sustained virological response rates for HCV in HBV and HCV co-infected patients are comparable with those in HCV mono-infected patients.…”

Epidemiology of Chronic Hepatitis C Infections at a Tertiary Care Centre in Oman

“…[5][6][7] The presence of comorbidities like alcoholic liver disease, viral coinfection with HIV or hepatitis B and the presence of insulin resistance can further accelerate disease progression. [8][9][10][11] In Oman, there are currently no national programmes in effect to promote public awareness, enhance early diagnosis or enable prompt management of CHC cases. In 1991, HCV testing was first introduced at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), a tertiary referral hospital in Muscat, Oman.…”

Reactivation of Chronic HBV Infection Leading to HCC following Treatment of HCV with an Interferon-Based Regimen

“…Study results vary on the development of HCC in patients with HBV/ HCV coinfection. Three meta-analyses from 1998, 2005 and 2011 demonstrate an additive effect on the risk of HCC [16].…”