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International Journal of Biological Sciences

Int J Med Sci 2006; 3:57-62 ©Ivyspring International Publisher

Review

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Dual Infection

Zhihua Liu, Jinlin Hou

Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account for a substantial proportion of liver diseases worldwide. Because the two hepatotropic viruses share same modes of transmission, coinfection with the two viruses is not uncommon, especially in areas with a high prevalence of HBV infection and among people at high risk for parenteral infection. Patients with dual HBV and HCV infection have more severe liver disease, and are at an increased risk for progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment of viral hepatitis due to dual HBV/HCV infection represents a challenge.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, coinfection, epidemiology, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)