Chronic Hepatitis B and HIV Coinfection: A Continuing Challenge in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The burden of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) remains disproportionately high among people living with HIV (PLWH) despite the advent of HBV vaccination and HBV-active antiretroviral therapy (ART). This review summarizes new insights and evolving issues in HIV-HBV coinfection.

RECENT FINDINGS

HBV-HIV coinfection is still a leading cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related mortality more than a decade after the approval of tenofovir. While tenofovir-based ART has been shown to improve rates of HBV virologic suppression and halt fibrosis progression, the long-term benefits on the prevention of end-stage liver disease or HCC in HIV-HBV coinfection have yet to be convincingly demonstrated in PLWH. Missed opportunities for HBV vaccination persist despite evidence of ongoing risk for HBV infection in this population.

SUMMARY

Even as we work towards HBV elimination and functional cure, ongoing efforts should focus on optimizing risk stratification as well as uptake of HBV-active antiviral therapy and HBV immunization in this priority population.