How to overcome antiviral-resistant hepatitis B virus?

The goal of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B is long-lasting suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase and prevention of progression of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Even though substantial advances have been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in the past decade with the use of oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs, emergence of antiviral resistance is the most important factor in treatment failure for chronic hepatitis B. Herein, we will discuss how to prevent antiviral resistance. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.