Management of Hepatitis B in Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
Journal
Current Hepatology Reports
Journal Volume
20
Journal Issue
4
Start Page
158
End Page
165
ISSN
2195-9595
Date Issued
2021-10-19
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose of Review: Hepatitis B remains an infectious disease causing a significant number of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Notably, the management of hepatitis B in persons who inject drugs (PWID) is a crucial part for hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination. This narrative review summarizes the updated strategies of screening, prevention, and treatment for this special clinical setting. Recent Findings: A PWID are associated with impaired immune responses and substantial vulnerability to parenteral HBV transmission with multiple co-infections, poor adherence, and social stigma. Multi-disciplinary support with integration of core strategies and healthcare systems provides better efficacy of prevention and treatment of HBV infection. Summary: A Periodic monitoring, treating co-existing risk factors, promoting harm reduction services, specialized protocol for HBV vaccination, and remodeling of values and practices are important for HBV elimination in PWID as well as the general population. Global and nationwide policies should be made and implemented to achieve above goals.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Type
journal article