CHRONIC HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON EPIDEMIOLOGY, MECHANISMS OF VIRAL PERSISTENCE, AND TREATMENT OF THE CONDITION

Abstract

on chronic Hepatitis B virus infection, seeking to identify the main methods used in the treatment of this pathology. Methodology: This is a systematic review focused on understanding the main aspects that permeate chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.  The research was guided by the question: "What are the main aspects that permeate chronic infection by the Hepatitis B virus, as well as what are the diagnostic and therapeutic resources used in clinical practice?". To find answers, searches were performed in the PubMed database using five descriptors combined with the Boolean term "AND". This resulted in 408 articles. 24 articles were selected for analysis and 15 articles were used to compose the collection. Results: The eradication of hepatitis B depends on the combination of preventive and therapeutic efforts. The persistence of cccDNA in the liver, even after viral suppression, hinders complete functional healing. Antivirals such as entecavir and tenofovir are effective in reducing viral load, but they fail to eradicate the virus in most patients, requiring prolonged treatments. In addition, the variability in treatment responses, influenced by factors such as viral genotype and disease stage, underscores the need for personalized approaches to improve clinical management. In summary, despite the advances, there are still important challenges to be faced in the search for a cure for chronic hepatitis B. Conclusion: The systematic review highlighted the main aspects of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), emphasizing its challenges and advances in clinical management. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a serious public health problem, with complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Prevention strategies such as universal vaccination and immunoprophylaxis are effective in reducing mother-to-child transmission, especially in newborns, but global adherence has yet to improve, especially in areas of high prevalence.