Chronic hepatitis B: past, present, and future.

There have been major advances in the field of hepatitis B (HBV) over the last few decades. These advances have resulted in the understanding of the natural history of chronic HBV infection, effective vaccines against the virus, sensitive assays for screening and monitoring of treatment, and effective treatments for viral suppression, all leading to improved outcomes. Debates and controversies remain, however, over the ideal management strategies of patients with chronic hepatitis B. To eradicate HBV, the global community needs to improve current preventive, screening, and treatment strategies. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.