If serology tests show that a patient has had active hepatitis B for longer than six months, antiviral treatments are considered. These treatments can help keep the virus under control, but will not cure the infection. Lifelong treatment may be needed. Treatment can help lower the risk of liver disease and transmitting the disease.
Currently, the first-line treatment for chronic HBV is interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys), entecavir (Baraclude), or tenofovir. Interferon alpha-2b is a synthetic cytokine that stimulates the immune system. As a cytokine, it evokes the transcription of multiple genes, including interleukin 4 (IL-4). The end result is the induction of T helper cells which subsequently stimulates B cells to proliferate and increase antibody production. Tenofovir and entecavir are antiretroviral medications. Tenofovir is also used in HIV treatment while entecavir is currently restricted to hepatitis infections.
If HBV has severely damaged a patient's liver, a transplant may be the ultimate course of treatment.
