Policy brief: guidelines for the prevention, care and treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B infection

Overview

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), an enveloped DNA virus that infects the liver, causing hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) – defined as persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for six months or more – is a major public health problem.

Worldwide, there are an estimated 240 million chronically infected persons, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

This policy brief outlines background information about the Guidelines and summarizes the recommendations for persons with chronic hepatitis B infection.