Abstract

Hepatitis B is an important global problem. Around 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus and are therefore at risk of developing chronic liver disease.1 This includes around 180,000 people in the UK.2 Infected patients will be concerned about the social and occupational implications of the diagnosis, the risks of long-term complications, and the possibility of transmission. Some healthcare professionals may be unsure about the value of drug treatments for hepatitis B and the role of vaccination. Here we review key aspects of hepatitis B infection, focusing on what can be done to prevent transmission and treat people with the infection.