Published online Jun 28, 2015. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i12.1660
Peer-review started: August 30, 2014
First decision: December 17, 2014
Revised: January 15, 2015
Accepted: May 27, 2015
Article in press: May 28, 2015
Published online: June 28, 2015
Processing time: 304 Days and 14.8 Hours
Prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with its consequent development of HBV chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma is a global mandatory goal. Fortunately, safe and effective HBV vaccines are currently available. Universal hepatitis B surface antigen HBV vaccination coverage is almost done. Growing knowledge based upon monitoring and surveillance of HBV vaccination programs has accumulated and the policy of booster vaccination has been evaluated. This review article provides an overview of the natural history of HBV infection, immune responses and the future of HBV infection. It also summarizes the updated sources, types and uses of HBV vaccines, whether in the preclinical phase or in the post-field vaccination.
Core tip: Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 2 billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Of these, approximately 240 million are chronically infected and at risk of serious illness or death from development of cirrhosis and subsequent progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), estimated to cause one million deaths each year worldwide. Prevention and control of HBV infection can therefore make a significant contribution to community health and to saving lives by preventing HCC. This review concerns the major advances in the field of HBV over the last few decades which have resulted in understanding the natural history of HBV infection and the development of effective vaccines against the virus. In the era of universal HBV vaccination coverage, the current growing body of knowledge regarding monitoring and surveillance of HBV vaccination programs and the policy of booster vaccination, several issues have to be evaluated regarding the vaccination policy and booster doses. In addition, it is worth evaluating vaccine-escape viral mutants, long-term protection and the therapeutic use of HBV vaccine as a promising new strategy for controlling chronic HBV infection.