CHRONIC HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION

CURRENT TREATMENT AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus is a major health dilemma causing an enormous burden on the health care system
and a major source of patient’s suffering. Over the last decade, far-reaching research has not only led to the
enhancement of present management of chronic hepatitis B, but has also revealed new options for the treatment of
this appalling disease. Presently interferon alpha- 2b, lamivudine, adenofovir dipivoxil and tenofovir are being employed
for the management of chronic hepatitis B infection. However, extensive research is being carried out to assess the
efficacy of peg- interferon, emtricitabine, entecavir and telbivudine in treating chronic hepatitis B infection.